Which condition is characterized by insulin resistance and hypertension?

The condition characterized by insulin resistance and hypertension is metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of conditions that together increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Key components of metabolic syndrome include abdominal obesity, elevated blood pressure (hypertension), elevated fasting glucose levels, and abnormal cholesterol levels. Insulin resistance is a core feature, where the body’s cells do not respond effectively to insulin, leading to higher blood sugar levels. This dysfunction is linked to various cardiovascular risks and metabolic disturbances.

In contrast, type 1 diabetes results from an autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, leading to an absolute deficiency of insulin. While type 2 diabetes involves insulin resistance, it is more narrowly defined as a condition primarily concerned with glucose metabolism rather than the broader range of symptoms and metabolic derangements seen in metabolic syndrome. Hypoglycemia refers to low blood sugar levels, which does not align with insulin resistance or hypertension and is typically a consequence of excessive insulin action rather than a feature of metabolic syndrome.