In the case of Type 2 diabetes, what is the status of insulin levels?

In Type 2 diabetes, insulin levels can vary widely among individuals, which is why the correct answer is that they can be low, normal, or high. In many cases, individuals with Type 2 diabetes often have insulin resistance, meaning that their body's cells do not respond properly to insulin, which can lead to higher insulin production from the pancreas in an attempt to compensate for this resistance. However, over time, pancreatic function may decline, leading to lower insulin levels in some patients.

Additionally, some individuals may initially have normal or even elevated insulin levels but still experience the metabolic complications of Type 2 diabetes due to resistance. Therefore, the status of insulin in individuals with this condition is not fixed and can fluctuate depending on several factors, including progression of the disease and individual metabolic responses. This variability is a hallmark of Type 2 diabetes, distinguishing it from conditions like Type 1 diabetes, where insulin is typically absent.