What is diabetes mellitus characterized by?

Diabetes mellitus is characterized primarily by insufficient insulin secretion or resistance to its effects. This condition leads to elevated levels of glucose in the blood, a hallmark sign of diabetes. In healthy individuals, insulin helps regulate blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells for energy. However, in people with diabetes, either the pancreas does not produce enough insulin (as in Type 1 diabetes) or the body's cells become resistant to the effects of insulin (as in Type 2 diabetes). This results in hyperglycemia, which can cause various complications if not managed properly.

While elevated cholesterol levels can occur in individuals with diabetes, this is not a defining characteristic of the condition itself. Similarly, overactive thyroid function relates to a different endocrine disorder that does not directly pertain to diabetes. Excessive hunger can be a symptom resulting from varying blood glucose levels, but it alone does not encapsulate the essence of diabetes mellitus. Consequently, the relationship between insufficient insulin action or production and blood glucose regulation is central to understanding diabetes and ensuring proper management of the disease.