What chronic disease is characterized by the pancreas failing to secrete enough insulin?

Diabetes mellitus is the chronic disease characterized by the pancreas failing to secrete enough insulin, which is essential for regulating blood glucose levels. In individuals with diabetes, either the body does not produce sufficient insulin (as seen in Type 1 diabetes) or the body's cells do not respond properly to insulin (as seen in Type 2 diabetes). This results in elevated blood sugar levels, which can lead to various complications over time, such as cardiovascular disease, nerve damage, and kidney problems.

The other conditions listed do not involve a direct deficiency in insulin production. Hypoglycemia refers to low blood sugar levels, which can occur for a variety of reasons but is not a chronic disease characterized by insulin deficiency. Hyperthyroidism involves an overproduction of thyroid hormones and does not relate to insulin levels. Chronic kidney disease primarily affects the kidneys' ability to filter waste products and does not directly involve insulin secretion from the pancreas. Therefore, diabetes mellitus is the only correct choice in this context.