Ace the 2026 RN Endocrine Exam – Empower Your Nursing Journey!

Type 2 diabetes is primarily characterized by insulin resistance. In this condition, the body's cells do not respond effectively to insulin, which is the hormone responsible for facilitating glucose uptake from the bloodstream into the cells. As a result, despite having insulin present, the body's ability to use glucose effectively is impaired, often leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Over time, the pancreas may also produce less insulin, further complicating blood sugar management.

This aspect of Type 2 diabetes distinguishes it from other types, such as Type 1 diabetes, which involves an autoimmune response that destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Additionally, Type 2 diabetes is often associated with risk factors such as obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and genetic predisposition, rather than immediate insulin dependency. While it can occur in children, especially with rising obesity rates, it is predominantly more common in adults, which further supports the characteristic of insulin resistance as central to the understanding of Type 2 diabetes.