A nurse is teaching a client who has a new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Rationale: A. "I am aware that my diabetes is caused by an autoimmune disorder.": Type 1 diabetes mellitus results from the immune system attacking the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This autoimmune destruction leads to a complete deficiency of insulin, making lifelong replacement necessary. B. "I know that my diabetes developed slowly over several years.": Type 1 diabetes often has a rapid onset, especially in younger individuals. Symptoms such as polyuria, polydipsia, weight loss, and fatigue can appear suddenly over days or weeks, rather than gradually over several years. C. "If I lose weight, I may be able to stop taking insulin.": Weight loss does not eliminate the need for insulin in type 1 diabetes. Because the pancreas no longer produces insulin, insulin therapy remains necessary regardless of changes in body weight or physical condition. D. "I have developed a resistance to insulin.": Insulin resistance is a feature of type 2 diabetes, where the body produces insulin but cannot use it effectively. In type 1 diabetes, the problem is a lack of insulin production due to the destruction of pancreatic beta cells.