What condition is primarily characterized by insulin resistance and high blood sugar levels?

Type 2 diabetes is primarily characterized by insulin resistance and high blood sugar levels. In this condition, the body's cells become less responsive to the hormone insulin, which is crucial for facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells for energy. As a result, glucose accumulates in the bloodstream, leading to elevated blood sugar levels.

This condition is often associated with factors such as obesity, physical inactivity, and genetic predisposition. Over time, the pancreas may struggle to produce enough insulin to overcome the resistance, further exacerbating hyperglycemia.

Understanding the mechanisms behind Type 2 diabetes is critical because it emphasizes the importance of lifestyle modifications in prevention and management. These include dietary changes, increased physical activity, and weight loss, all of which can improve insulin sensitivity and help regulate blood sugar levels.

The other conditions presented do not primarily involve insulin resistance as their defining feature, which is why they are not the correct answer.