Medical Emergencies · single question
Which of the following represents the pathophysiology of Type II diabetes mellitus?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Increased cellular resistance to insulin
- A. ❌ Pancreatic tumors can destroy beta cell mass causing secondary diabetes, but this is not Type 2 DM pathophysiology.
- B. ❌ Cortisol excess causes secondary diabetes (Cushing's syndrome), not Type 2.
- C. ❌ Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells is the pathophysiology of Type 1 DM.
- D. ✅ Correct. Type 2 DM is characterized by peripheral insulin resistance (muscle, fat, liver cells fail to respond to insulin) combined with progressive beta cell dysfunction. Obesity is the primary driver.
Sources disagree on the answer to this question. Check a trusted reference.
Practice Medical Emergencies questions Medical Emergencies study notes