Q.14 Diabetes is a :
1. Genetic disorder
2. Metabolic disorder
3. Genetic and metabolic disorder
4. Chromosomal disorder and digestive disorder
Diabetes is primarily a metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels due to issues with insulin production or function.
Option Analysis
Diabetes mellitus involves disrupted glucose metabolism, not primarily genetic mutations, chromosomal abnormalities, or digestive issues.
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Option 1: Genetic disorder – Incorrect as the primary cause. While genetics contribute (e.g., Type 1 diabetes has autoimmune genetic risks, Type 2 involves polygenic factors), diabetes is not defined solely by inherited gene defects like cystic fibrosis.
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Option 2: Metabolic disorder – Correct. It stems from metabolic dysfunction where the body fails to regulate blood glucose properly, leading to hyperglycemia via insulin resistance or deficiency.
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Option 3: Genetic and metabolic disorder – Partially true but inaccurate as the main classification. Genetic factors influence susceptibility, yet the core pathology is metabolic imbalance from environmental and lifestyle interactions.
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Option 4: Chromosomal disorder and digestive disorder – Incorrect. No chromosomal anomalies (e.g., trisomies) cause diabetes primarily, and it is not a digestive issue like IBS; pancreas involvement relates to endocrine (not digestive) function.
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder affecting millions worldwide, marked by elevated blood glucose due to impaired insulin action or production. This SEO-optimized guide decodes the key phrase “diabetes is a metabolic disorder,” explains why it’s the right MCQ answer over genetic, chromosomal, or digestive labels, and aids students preparing for biology competitive exams.
What Makes Diabetes a Metabolic Disorder?
Metabolic disorders disrupt normal biochemical processes, and diabetes fits perfectly as it involves faulty carbohydrate metabolism. In Type 2 diabetes (90% of cases), insulin resistance in tissues like muscle and liver causes hyperglycemia, compounded by beta-cell dysfunction. Type 1 is autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing cells, still rooted in metabolic failure.
Why Not Genetic or Chromosomal?
Genetics play a role—e.g., MODY (Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young) from single-gene mutations—but diabetes is polygenic and multifactorial, not purely genetic like Down syndrome (chromosomal). Environmental triggers like obesity override genetic risks in most cases.
Ruling Out Digestive Disorder
Digestive disorders affect nutrient breakdown (e.g., celiac disease), but diabetes targets endocrine pancreas function for glucose homeostasis, not gut digestion.
| Diabetes Type | Key Features | Genetic Role | Metabolic Issue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type 1 | Autoimmune, onset in youth | Moderate (HLA genes) | No insulin production |
| Type 2 | Adult-onset, insulin resistance | Strong polygenic | Poor glucose uptake |
| Gestational | Pregnancy-related | Low | Temporary hyperglycemia |
| MODY | Monogenic young-onset | High (e.g., HNF1A) | Beta-cell defects |
For exams, remember: Diabetes is a metabolic disorder as per standard classifications like WHO and NIDDK.
