WebXam Principles of Foods Practice Test 2025 - Free Food Principles Exam Practice Questions and Study Guide

The condition characterized by an inability to metabolize sugar properly is indeed diabetes. This metabolic disorder affects how the body processes glucose, which is the primary sugar found in the bloodstream. In individuals with diabetes, whether type 1 or type 2, the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is crucial for helping cells absorb glucose for energy, and without proper functioning, sugar levels can become unregulated, leading to high blood sugar levels.

In contrast, hypertension is related to blood pressure regulation and does not involve the metabolism of sugar. Lactose intolerance specifically pertains to the body's inability to digest lactose, the sugar found in milk, due to a deficiency in lactase, an enzyme. This condition does not affect the metabolism of glucose or other sugars. Obesity, while often related to dietary choices and can result from excessive sugar intake, is a condition of excess body fat rather than a direct issue with sugar metabolism itself. Therefore, diabetes stands out as the answer that directly addresses challenges with sugar metabolism.