Diabetes is best described as which of the following?

Diabetes is best described as which of the following?

• A. A genetic disorder affecting the pancreas that causes insulin overproduction.
• B. A temporary condition resulting from dehydration.
• C. An autoimmune disease that attacks the kidneys.
• D. A condition in which the body is unable to produce enough insulin, the hormone required for the metabolism of sugar.

Answer: (D)

Diabetes is a metabolic condition where insulin, the hormone that lets glucose enter cells for energy, is insufficient or not working properly. When the body can’t produce enough insulin, glucose stays in the blood instead of getting into cells, leading to high blood sugar. The choice describing an inability to produce enough insulin best matches this fundamental issue, especially for Type 1 diabetes. The other descriptions don’t fit: insulin overproduction isn’t characteristic of diabetes, dehydration is a temporary state, and autoimmune attack on the kidneys isn’t what defines diabetes (though kidney complications can occur as a consequence).

Diabetes is a metabolic condition where insulin, the hormone that lets glucose enter cells for energy, is insufficient or not working properly. When the body can’t produce enough insulin, glucose stays in the blood instead of getting into cells, leading to high blood sugar. The choice describing an inability to produce enough insulin best matches this fundamental issue, especially for Type 1 diabetes. The other descriptions don’t fit: insulin overproduction isn’t characteristic of diabetes, dehydration is a temporary state, and autoimmune attack on the kidneys isn’t what defines diabetes (though kidney complications can occur as a consequence).