Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by abnormally high blood sugar (glucose) levels. It occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone essential for helping glucose enter the body's cells to be used for energy. Without sufficient insulin or proper insulin function, glucose builds up in the bloodstream, leading to hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
. There are several types of diabetes mellitus, with the two main forms being:
- Type 1 diabetes mellitus : An autoimmune condition where the body's immune system destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, resulting in insulin deficiency. People with type 1 diabetes require lifelong insulin therapy
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus : The most common form, characterized by insulin resistance (the body's cells do not respond properly to insulin) often combined with an eventual decline in insulin production. It is frequently associated with lifestyle factors and typically develops in adults, though increasingly seen in younger populations
Other forms include gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy, and prediabetes, a condition where blood sugar levels are elevated but not high enough to be classified as diabetes
. Symptoms of diabetes can include increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. If untreated, diabetes can lead to serious complications such as nerve damage, cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, and vision loss
. Diabetes mellitus is a significant global health issue, affecting hundreds of millions worldwide and contributing to millions of deaths annually. Management typically involves lifestyle changes, blood sugar monitoring, and medications or insulin therapy to control blood glucose levels and prevent complications
