Start practicing

Pediatric Dentistry · single question

A patient with Type 2 diabetes mellitus presents for dental care. Which metabolic explanation BEST describes Type 2 DM?

  1. Absolute insulin deficiency requiring exogenous insulin
  2. Autoimmune destruction of beta cells in the pancreas
  3. Genetic mutation causing MODY (maturity-onset diabetes of the young)
  4. Most obese people suffer from peripheral insulin resistance (Type 2 DM)
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: D. Most obese people suffer from peripheral insulin resistance (Type 2 DM)

  • A. Absolute insulin deficiency is characteristic of Type 1 DM where beta cells are destroyed.
  • B. Autoimmune destruction of beta cells describes TYPE 1 DM — NOT Type 2.
  • C. MODY (maturity-onset diabetes of the young) is a monogenic form of diabetes caused by specific gene mutations — not the standard Type 2 DM description.
  • D. Correct. Type 2 DM is characterized by peripheral insulin resistance combined with relative (not absolute) insulin deficiency. Obesity is the primary risk factor — excess adipose tissue causes insulin resistance. Pancreatic beta cells initially compensate by producing more insulin but eventually fail.

Practice Pediatric Dentistry questions Pediatric Dentistry study notes

More Pediatric Dentistry practice questions