Which of the following symptoms is associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus?

Polydipsia and polyuria are hallmark symptoms associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In this condition, the body's ability to utilize insulin effectively is impaired, leading to elevated blood glucose levels. As a result, excess glucose spills into the urine, which draws more water into the urine through osmotic diuresis. This mechanism results in increased thirst (polydipsia) as the body attempts to compensate for the fluid loss. Additionally, the production of more urine (polyuria) is a direct consequence of this process, making it one of the classic signs of diabetes.

Weight gain can occur in individuals with type 2 diabetes, but it is not exclusive to the condition and does not capture the essence of the disease's metabolic disturbances. Immediate dizziness is not typically a defining characteristic of type 2 diabetes and may relate to other health issues such as dehydration or hypoglycemia. Severe muscle cramps are also not a recognized symptom of type 2 diabetes. These muscle cramps can occur in various conditions, but they do not specifically indicate diabetes. Polydipsia and polyuria, on the other hand, are critical symptoms that help in the recognition and diagnosis of diabetes, making them the correct answer in this context.