High levels of which substance are typically found in the blood of a person with diabetes?

In individuals with diabetes, high levels of glucose are typically found in the blood. This condition, known as hyperglycemia, occurs because the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is the hormone responsible for facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells for energy, and when its action is impaired, glucose remains in the bloodstream, leading to elevated levels.

When diabetes is poorly managed or uncontrolled, this excess glucose can cause various complications over time, including cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, kidney issues, and vision problems. Therefore, monitoring blood glucose levels is a critical aspect of diabetes management and helps in determining the effectiveness of treatment strategies.

In contexts unrelated to diabetes, the other options do have their own roles in metabolism and physiological function but are not typically linked to high blood levels in the context of diabetes specifically. For instance, while cortisol levels can be elevated in stress and certain conditions, they do not relate directly to the glucose irregularities characteristic of diabetes. Glycogen, on the other hand, is a stored form of glucose in the liver and muscles and is not found in elevated blood levels. Insulin, conversely, is usually low or insufficient in diabetes when glucose levels are high.