What is a key characteristic of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2?

A key characteristic of Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 is that the body’s cells do not properly respond to insulin, a condition known as insulin resistance. This resistance means that, although insulin may still be produced by the pancreas, the body’s ability to use that insulin effectively is impaired. As a result, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.

In contrast, the production of insulin can still be present, which differentiates Type 2 diabetes from Type 1 diabetes, where insulin is either not produced or very minimally produced. Additionally, while diabetes can occur during pregnancy, that condition is referred to as gestational diabetes and is distinct from Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is also typically associated with adults rather than young children, aligning more with obesity and lifestyle factors prevalent in older populations.