Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes Mellitus (pronounced /daɪəˈbiːtiːz ˈmɛlɪtəs/), often simply referred to as diabetes, is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by a high blood sugar level over a prolonged period of time.

Etymology

The term "diabetes" is derived from the Greek word diabainein, meaning "to pass through," referring to the excessive amount of urine produced by individuals with the condition. "Mellitus" comes from the Latin word for "sweetened with honey," reflecting the presence of sugar in the urine.

Symptoms

Symptoms of diabetes mellitus include frequent urination, increased thirst, and increased hunger. If left untreated, diabetes can cause many complications. Acute complications can include diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, or death. Serious long-term complications include cardiovascular disease, stroke, chronic kidney disease, foot ulcers, and retinopathy.

Types

There are three main types of diabetes mellitus:

Type 1 diabetes: Results from the pancreas's failure to produce enough insulin due to loss of beta cells.
Type 2 diabetes: Begins with insulin resistance, a condition in which cells fail to respond to insulin properly.
Gestational diabetes: Occurs when pregnant women without a previous history of diabetes develop high blood sugar levels.

Prevention and Treatment

Prevention and treatment of diabetes involve a healthy diet, regular physical exercise, maintaining a normal body weight, and avoiding use of tobacco. Control of blood pressure and maintaining proper foot and eye care are important for people with the disease. Insulin therapy and oral medications may be used to manage blood sugar levels in type 1 and type 2 diabetes, respectively.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Diabetes Mellitus
Wikipedia's article - Diabetes Mellitus

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Diabetes Mellitus