The nurse is teaching the family about caring for their 7-year-old, who has been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus. What information should the nurse provide about this condition?

A. Characterized mainly by insulin resistance: Insulin resistance is more characteristic of type 2 diabetes, not type 1 diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the body is unable to produce insulin due to the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells. B. Characterized mainly by insulin deficiency: Type 1 diabetes is caused by insulin deficiency due to the body's inability to produce insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels. This is a life-long condition that requires insulin replacement for proper blood glucose control. C. Best managed through diet, exercise, and oral medication: Type 1 diabetes cannot be managed with oral medication alone. It requires insulin injections or an insulin pump in addition to diet and exercise to control blood glucose levels. D. Can be prevented by proper nutrition and monitoring blood glucose levels: Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease and cannot be prevented through nutrition or blood glucose monitoring. Prevention strategies are more applicable to type 2 diabetes.