Which condition is characterized by high blood sugar levels?

Diabetes mellitus is characterized by consistently high blood sugar levels, also known as hyperglycemia. This condition occurs when the body cannot effectively use insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood glucose. In individuals with diabetes, either the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or the body becomes resistant to its effects. As a result, glucose remains in the bloodstream instead of being utilized by the cells for energy, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.

In addition to high blood sugars, diabetes can lead to serious long-term complications, including cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, kidney damage, and eye problems. Diagnosing diabetes typically involves testing blood sugar levels, and management often includes lifestyle changes, monitoring blood glucose, and possibly medication or insulin therapy to keep blood sugar levels within a target range.

While hypertension, hyperthyroidism, and heart disease are significant health conditions, they are not primarily characterized by high blood sugar levels. Hypertension pertains to elevated blood pressure, hyperthyroidism involves excessive thyroid hormone production affecting metabolism, and heart disease involves various conditions affecting heart function, none of which directly relate to blood sugar regulation like diabetes mellitus does.