Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Intermediate Practice Exam

Medically, the term "diabetes" refers to:

1. impairment of the body to metabolize carbohydrates

2. an infection of the pancreas

3. the inability to absorb nutrients

4. a condition affecting metabolism of fats

The correct answer is: impairment of the body to metabolize carbohydrates

The term "diabetes" medically refers to a condition characterized by the impairment of the body's ability to metabolize carbohydrates, primarily due to issues with insulin production or response. This metabolic dysfunction results in elevated levels of glucose in the blood, a hallmark of diabetes. In a healthy metabolic system, the hormone insulin helps regulate blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into the body's cells. In diabetes, whether it is Type 1 (where the body does not produce insulin) or Type 2 (where the body is resistant to insulin), this process is disrupted, leading to various health complications related to high blood sugar levels. Understanding the specific mechanisms and implications of carbohydrate metabolism is essential not only for diagnosing diabetes but also for managing the condition effectively through diet, exercise, and medication. Other choices, such as infections of the pancreas or nutrient absorption issues, while potentially related to other medical conditions, do not accurately describe diabetes itself. Focusing on the metabolic aspects provides a clearer picture of what diabetes entails and its implications for patient care.