Diabetes mellitus , commonly known as diabetes, is a group of metabolic disorders characterised by a high blood sugar level over a prolonged period of time.
Diabetes is due to either the pancreas not producing enough insulin, or the cells of the body not responding properly to the insulin produced.There are three main types of diabetes mellitus:
1). Type 1 diabetes results from failure of the pancreas to produce enough insulin due to loss of beta cells. This form was previously referred to as “insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus” or “juvenile diabetes”. The loss of beta cells is caused by an autoimmune response. The cause of this autoimmune response is unknown
2). Type 2 diabetes begins with insulin resistance, a condition in which cells fail to respond to insulin properly.As the disease progresses, a lack of insulin may also develop.This form was previously referred to as “non insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus” or “adult-onset diabetes”. The most common cause is a combination of excessive body weight and insufficient exercise.
3). Gestational diabetes is the third main form, and occurs when pregnant women without a previous history of diabetes develop high blood sugar levels.
Symptoms
Some of the signs and symptoms of type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes are:
- Increased thirst
- Frequent urination
- Extreme hunger
- Unexplained weight loss
- Presence of ketones in the urine (ketones are a byproduct of the breakdown of muscle and fat that happens when there’s not enough available insulin)
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Blurred vision
- Slow-healing sores
- Frequent infections, such as gums or skin infections and vaginal infections
You should see a doctor when:
- If you notice any possible diabetes symptoms, contact your doctor. The earlier the condition is diagnosed, the sooner treatment can begin.
- If you’ve already been diagnosed with diabetes. After you receive your diagnosis, you’ll need close medical follow-up until your blood sugar levels stabilize.
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