What is a key characteristic of Type 2 diabetes?

Type 2 diabetes is primarily characterized by insulin resistance, which means that the body’s cells do not respond effectively to insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. Over time, the pancreas may not be able to produce enough insulin to overcome this resistance, leading to elevated glucose levels in the blood. This condition is often associated with obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, and genetic factors, but it is fundamentally about the body's diminished sensitivity to insulin rather than a complete lack of insulin production.

In contrast, complete insulin deficiency is more typical of Type 1 diabetes, where the body's immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Type 2 diabetes is also not limited to children; it primarily occurs in adults, though increasing numbers of children and adolescents are being diagnosed as obesity rates rise. Furthermore, Type 2 diabetes can often be managed with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, along with medications, rather than solely relying on insulin injections. Therefore, the defining aspect of Type 2 diabetes in this context is insulin resistance.