What is a characteristic of Type 2 Diabetes?

Type 2 Diabetes is primarily characterized by the body’s cells becoming resistant to insulin. This resistance means that, although insulin is produced by the pancreas, its effectiveness at facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells is diminished. As a result, even though there may be sufficient amounts of insulin present, the blood sugar levels can remain elevated because glucose is not effectively utilized by the cells.

In the context of Type 2 Diabetes, the body initially compensates for this resistance by producing more insulin, but over time, the pancreatic beta cells may fail to keep up with the increasing demand. This can eventually lead to a decline in insulin production, but it is the resistance of cells to insulin that is a hallmark of the disease.

The other options do not accurately describe the condition. Insulin is not produced in excess in the straightforward sense, as the pancreas may struggle to maintain insulin levels in the face of resistance. Insulin production does not typically stop completely in Type 2 Diabetes; rather, it may decrease over time due to beta cell exhaustion. Lastly, blood sugar levels in individuals with Type 2 Diabetes are not normal; they are usually elevated due to the ineffective use of insulin.