Which condition is characterized by the body's inability to maintain normal glucose levels?

The condition characterized by the body's inability to maintain normal glucose levels is diabetes. This chronic condition occurs when the body does not produce sufficient insulin, or the cells become resistant to insulin's effects, leading to elevated blood glucose levels. Diabetes can manifest in different forms, most commonly Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, both of which affect how the body manages glucose.

In Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune response destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, while in Type 2 diabetes, the body becomes less responsive to insulin over time. Both scenarios result in the inability to regulate blood glucose, which can lead to various health complications if not properly managed.

Hyperglycemia refers specifically to high levels of glucose in the blood, often associated with diabetes, but it does not encompass the broader dysfunction in glucose regulation. Hypoglycemia, on the other hand, refers to low blood sugar levels, which is a different issue that can occur in diabetic patients or due to other medical conditions. Insulin resistance describes a state in which cells do not respond effectively to insulin, often leading to or worsening diabetes, but it is not synonymous with the overall condition itself. Thus, diabetes is the most accurate term for the general inability to maintain normal glucose levels in the body.