Medical Emergencies · single question
Which of the following is TRUE about Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus?
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Correct answer: C. Type 2 DM is characterized by insulin resistance
Type 2 DM is characterized by insulin resistance (peripheral tissues do not respond normally to insulin) combined with progressive beta-cell dysfunction. It is NOT insulin-dependent — while some Type 2 patients may eventually require insulin, it is managed primarily with lifestyle modification, oral hypoglycemics, and GLP-1 agonists. Type 1 DM is the insulin-dependent form.
- A. Incorrect. While obesity is a major risk factor, Type 2 DM occurs in non-obese individuals as well.
- B. Incorrect. Many Type 2 DM patients are managed without exogenous insulin — they use lifestyle modification, metformin, and other oral agents.
- C. CORRECT. Type 2 DM is fundamentally characterized by insulin resistance — the peripheral tissues fail to respond appropriately to insulin. This is the key distinction from Type 1.
- D. Incorrect. Type 2 DM is NOT insulin-dependent. Insulin-dependent diabetes refers to Type 1 DM. Type 2 DM is defined by insulin resistance and relative (not absolute) insulin deficiency.
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