What is the main characteristic of Type II diabetes?

The main characteristic of Type II diabetes is insulin resistance. In this condition, the body's cells become less responsive to the effects of insulin, which is a hormone that plays a crucial role in regulating blood glucose levels. As a result, higher levels of insulin are typically required for glucose to enter the cells. Over time, this can lead to elevated blood glucose levels as the pancreas struggles to produce enough insulin to overcome this resistance.

In contrast, absolute insulin deficiency is more characteristic of Type I diabetes, where the pancreatic beta cells are damaged or destroyed, leading to little or no insulin production. Insulin dependency is also more associated with Type I diabetes, as individuals with Type I require exogenous insulin to manage their blood glucose levels. The autoimmune destruction of cells refers specifically to the process that occurs in Type I diabetes, where the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

Understanding insulin resistance is critical for managing Type II diabetes as interventions often focus on improving the body’s sensitivity to insulin through lifestyle changes, medications, and, in some cases, insulin therapy.