Explain the underlying pathophysiology of diabetes, highlighting the key differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels, resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. The underlying pathophysiology of diabetes involves a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Type 1 diabetes, also known as insulin-dependent diabetes or juvenile-onset diabetes, is an autoimmune disease. In this condition, the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the beta cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. As a result, there is an absolute deficiency of insulin in the body. Without sufficient insulin, glucose cannot enter the cells and remains in the bloodstream, leading to hyperglycemia. Individuals with type 1 diabetes require lifelong insulin therapy to survive. Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, is characterized by insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency. Insulin resistance refers to a reduc....