Which condition is characterized by insulin resistance?

Insulin resistance is a key characteristic of type 2 diabetes mellitus. In this condition, the body's cells become less responsive to insulin, which is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar levels. As a result, higher amounts of insulin are required to achieve the same effect on glucose uptake by the cells. Over time, the pancreas may struggle to produce enough insulin to overcome this resistance, leading to elevated blood sugar levels and the development of type 2 diabetes.

In contrast, type 1 diabetes mellitus is primarily an autoimmune condition where the body cannot produce insulin due to the destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, rather than a problem of insulin resistance. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and is associated with insulin resistance, but it is often a temporary condition that resolves after childbirth. Hypoglycemia, which is characterized by low blood sugar levels, is not directly related to insulin resistance; it typically occurs due to excess insulin or insufficient glucose intake rather than a lack of cell responsiveness to insulin. Thus, type 2 diabetes mellitus stands out as the condition most directly associated with insulin resistance.