Medical Emergencies · single question
Which of the following represents the pathophysiology of Type II diabetes mellitus?
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Correct answer: C. Pancreatic tumor
- A. Incorrect. Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells is the pathophysiology of Type 1 DM.
- B. Incorrect. Cortisol excess causes secondary diabetes (Cushing's syndrome), not Type 2.
- C. 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.
- D. Incorrect. Pancreatic tumors can destroy beta cell mass causing secondary diabetes, but this is not Type 2 DM pathophysiology.
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