[chris_bdba]

Type 2 usually wear their beta cells out unlike type 1 which is caused by an autioimmune reaction. That is why there is a separate distinction between the dieases.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diabetes_mellitus_type_1

[muawiyah]

Frankly I don't use Wiki as a reliable source ~ they adhere too closely to the American Diabetes Association doctrines. Instead, I look to the researchers in Australia and New Zealand, as well as to the Scandinavians who have done a tremendous job identifying all the genes involved in Type II ~ which, surprisingly enough, are frequently involved in Type I.

So, no, I don't believe Type IIs simply wear out their beta cells. There's something else at work ~ with a genetic link ~ that slows beta cell insulin production.