What is the primary characteristic of Type I diabetes?

Type I diabetes is primarily characterized as insulin dependent. This condition arises when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, individuals with Type I diabetes are unable to produce sufficient insulin, a hormone essential for regulating blood glucose levels. Hence, they must rely on external insulin administration to maintain their blood sugar levels within a normal range.

The option indicating insulin independence describes a characteristic more aligned with Type II diabetes, where the body may still produce insulin but does not respond effectively to it. Regular insulin secretion, on the other hand, is not applicable for Type I diabetes, as the condition is marked by an absolute deficiency in insulin production. Lastly, while a hyperglycemic response can occur in both types of diabetes, it is not a defining characteristic specific to Type I diabetes; rather, it is a symptom that arises due to the lack of insulin. Therefore, the defining trait of Type I diabetes is its reliance on external insulin, confirming it as insulin dependent.