At what age is Type I diabetes most commonly diagnosed?

Type I diabetes is most commonly diagnosed in childhood or adolescence, which often includes the age range from around 4 to 14 years, though it can occur at any age. This autoimmune condition results in the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, and the onset often happens suddenly. Symptoms can develop rapidly, making it critical for prompt diagnosis and management.

In contrast, the other age groups listed tend to be more associated with Type II diabetes or may not be typical periods for developing Type I. Infancy usually does not present with the typical symptoms or diagnosis of Type I diabetes, while late twenties and older adulthood are more frequently linked with the later onset of Type II diabetes, which has different risk factors and mechanisms. Therefore, distinguishing the age group for Type I diabetes diagnosis is crucial to understanding the condition's demographics and clinical presentation.