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Pediatric Dentistry · single question

Type 2 diabetes mellitus — which statement is MOST accurate?

  1. Most obese people are at significantly higher risk (insulin resistance driven by adiposity)
  2. Type 2 DM cannot be treated with lifestyle modification
  3. Type 2 DM is caused by autoimmune destruction of beta cells (this is Type 1)
  4. Type 2 DM requires insulin from diagnosis
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. Most obese people are at significantly higher risk (insulin resistance driven by adiposity)

  • A. Correct. Type 2 DM is primarily a disease of INSULIN RESISTANCE — peripheral tissues don't respond to insulin effectively. Obesity (especially visceral/central adiposity) is the strongest modifiable risk factor, causing chronic low-grade inflammation and adipokine imbalance that impairs insulin signaling. Over 90% of Type 2 DM cases occur in overweight or obese individuals.
  • B. Lifestyle modification (diet, exercise, weight loss) can significantly improve and in some cases reverse Type 2 DM, especially early in the disease.
  • C. AUTOIMMUNE destruction of beta cells describes TYPE 1 DM — NOT Type 2. In Type 2, beta cells remain functional initially (producing excess insulin to compensate) but eventually may decline.
  • D. Type 2 DM is initially managed with lifestyle modification and oral medications (metformin first-line). Insulin is added later if needed.

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