What best describes type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is characterized primarily by insulin resistance, where the body's cells become less responsive to the hormone insulin. This condition means that even though insulin may be produced, the body struggles to use it effectively for glucose uptake into the cells. Over time, this leads to increased blood sugar levels, as glucose accumulates in the bloodstream instead of being utilized by the body's cells for energy.

In this context, insulin resistance differentiates type 2 diabetes from type 1 diabetes, where the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin. Although high insulin levels may initially occur in type 2 diabetes as the body attempts to compensate for resistance, the fundamental issue remains the inability of the cells to respond adequately to insulin. Furthermore, blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes typically do not drop dangerously low without treatment, so this option does not adequately convey what characterizes the condition.