What characterizes Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 Diabetes is primarily characterized by insulin resistance coupled with some insulin secretion from the pancreas. This means that the body does not effectively utilize insulin, which is crucial for regulating blood glucose levels. Even though individuals with Type 2 Diabetes may produce insulin, their bodies are unable to use it effectively, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.

This condition often develops over time and is commonly associated with risk factors such as obesity, inactivity, and genetic predispositions. The presence of insulin resistance can mean that even individuals with some insulin production may still experience high blood sugar levels, as the insulin is not properly facilitating glucose uptake into the cells.

Other options present different forms or types of diabetes, such as Type 1 Diabetes, which is often juvenile onset and involves little to no insulin production, or gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy. These variations signify different underlying pathophysiologies compared to Type 2 Diabetes, where insulin resistance plays a pivotal role.