What condition is characterized by the body's inability to produce insulin?

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is characterized by the body's inability to produce insulin due to the autoimmune destruction of the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This condition usually develops in childhood or adolescence but can occur at any age. Since insulin is crucial for regulating blood glucose levels, individuals with Type 1 diabetes must rely on exogenous insulin administration to manage their blood sugar levels effectively.

In contrast, Type 2 diabetes is often associated with insulin resistance rather than a complete lack of insulin production. Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and typically resolves after childbirth, but it also involves impaired insulin function rather than total absence. Hyperglycemia is a state of elevated blood glucose levels and is a common feature in various types of diabetes but does not, by itself, indicate a failure to produce insulin.