Question

Diabetes mellitus is associated with a. too much insulin in the blood. b. too high a blood glucose level. c. blood that is too dilute. d. All of these are correct.

Short answer

The correct answer is "b. too high a blood glucose level," which accurately characterizes diabetes mellitus. Options A, C, and D are incorrect.

Step-by-step solution

Analyzing Option A

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that is characterized by high blood sugar (glucose) levels. Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels, so we must determine if having too much insulin in the blood is associated with diabetes mellitus. In general, diabetes is actually associated with either insufficient insulin production (Type 1 diabetes) or resistance to insulin's effects (Type 2 diabetes). Therefore, Option A is incorrect.

Analyzing Option B

As previously mentioned, diabetes mellitus is characterized by high blood glucose levels. This is due to the body's inability to produce enough insulin (Type 1 diabetes) or respond effectively to insulin (Type 2 diabetes). High blood glucose levels are a defining characteristic of diabetes mellitus, so Option B is correct.

Analyzing Option C

This statement refers to the blood being too dilute, which is not associated with diabetes mellitus. Blood dilution might be a result of other medical conditions, such as overhydration, but it wouldn't be a primary characteristic of diabetes mellitus. Therefore, Option C is incorrect.

Analyzing Option D

Option D states that all of the options are correct. However, we have determined that Options A and C are incorrect, and Option B is the correct answer. So, Option D is incorrect as well.

Conclusion

Based on the analysis of each statement, the correct answer to the exercise is "b. too high a blood glucose level," as it accurately describes a core characteristic of diabetes mellitus.