Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus (DM) or simply diabetes, is a group of metabolic diseases in which a person has high blood sugar.

This high blood sugar produces the symptoms of frequent urination, increased thirst, and increased hunger. Untreated, diabetes can cause many complications.

Acute complications include diabetic ketoacidosis and nonketotic hyperosmolar coma.

Serious long-term complications include heart disease, kidney failure, and damage to the eyes.

Diabetes is due to either the pancreas not producing enough insulin, or because cells of the body do not respond properly to the insulin that is produced.

There are three main types of diabetes mellitus:

Type 1 DM results from the body’s failure to produce insulin. This form was previously referred to as “insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus” (IDDM) or “juvenile diabetes”.

Type 2 DM results from insulin resistance, a condition in which cells fail to use insulin properly, sometimes also with an absolute insulin deficiency.

This form was previously referred to as non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or “adult-onset diabetes”.

Gestational diabetes is the third main form and occurs when pregnant women without a previous diagnosis of diabetes develop a high blood glucose level.

Prevention and treatment often involve a healthy diet, physical exercise, not using tobacco, and being a normal body weight.

Blood pressure control and proper foot care are also important for people with the disease.

Type 1 diabetes must be managed with insulin injections.

Type 2 diabetes may be treated with medications with or without insulin.

Insulin and some oral medications can cause low blood sugar, which can be dangerous.

Gastric bypass surgery has been successful in many with severe obesity and type 2 DM.

Gestational diabetes usually resolves after the birth of the baby.