Diabetes UK: Difference between revisions
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{{short description|Overview of diabetes mellitus}} | |||
{{other uses}} | |||
[[File:DiabetesUKlogo.gif|thumb|right|Logo of Diabetes UK, a leading charity for diabetes awareness and research.]] | |||
'''Diabetes mellitus''' is a group of [[metabolic disorders]] characterized by a high blood sugar level over a prolonged period. Symptoms often include frequent urination, increased thirst, and increased appetite. If left untreated, diabetes can cause many complications. | |||
Diabetes | ==Types== | ||
Diabetes is classified into several types: | |||
== | ===Type 1 diabetes=== | ||
Type 1 diabetes results from the pancreas's failure to produce enough [[insulin]] due to loss of [[beta cells]]. This form was previously referred to as "insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus" (IDDM) or "juvenile diabetes". The cause is unknown. | |||
===Type 2 diabetes=== | |||
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" (NIDDM) or "adult-onset diabetes". | |||
== | ===Gestational diabetes=== | ||
Gestational diabetes occurs when pregnant women without a previous history of diabetes develop high blood sugar levels. | |||
==Symptoms== | |||
The classic symptoms of untreated diabetes are unintended weight loss, polyuria (increased urination), polydipsia (increased thirst), and polyphagia (increased hunger). Symptoms may develop rapidly (weeks or months) in type 1 diabetes, while they usually develop much more slowly and may be subtle or absent in type 2 diabetes. | |||
== | ==Complications== | ||
All forms of diabetes increase the risk of long-term complications. These typically develop after many years (10–20), but may be the first symptom in those who have otherwise not received a diagnosis before that time. | |||
Diabetes | ===Cardiovascular disease=== | ||
Diabetes doubles the risk of cardiovascular disease, including [[coronary artery disease]] and [[stroke]]. | |||
== | ===Neuropathy=== | ||
Diabetic neuropathy is damage to the nerves as a result of diabetes. The most common form is peripheral neuropathy, which affects the extremities. | |||
===Nephropathy=== | |||
Diabetic nephropathy is damage to the [[kidneys]] which can lead to chronic kidney disease. | |||
== | ===Retinopathy=== | ||
Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the [[retina]] of the eyes, which can lead to blindness. | |||
==Management== | |||
Management of diabetes focuses on keeping blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible, without causing low blood sugar. This can usually be accomplished with diet, exercise, and use of appropriate medications (insulin in the case of type 1 diabetes; oral medications, as well as possibly insulin, in type 2 diabetes). | |||
===Lifestyle=== | |||
A healthy diet and regular physical activity are important components of diabetes management. | |||
===Medications=== | |||
Medications for diabetes include insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents. | |||
==Prevention== | |||
Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented. Type 2 diabetes, which accounts for 85–90% of all cases, can often be prevented or delayed by maintaining a normal body weight, engaging in physical activity, and eating a healthy diet. | |||
==Related pages== | |||
* [[Insulin]] | |||
* [[Metabolic disorder]] | |||
* [[Endocrinology]] | |||
* [[Blood sugar regulation]] | |||
[[Category:Diabetes]] | |||
[[Category:Endocrine diseases]] | |||
Latest revision as of 10:46, 15 February 2025
Overview of diabetes mellitus
Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by a high blood sugar level over a prolonged period. Symptoms often include frequent urination, increased thirst, and increased appetite. If left untreated, diabetes can cause many complications.
Types[edit]
Diabetes is classified into several types:
Type 1 diabetes[edit]
Type 1 diabetes results from the pancreas's failure to produce enough insulin due to loss of beta cells. This form was previously referred to as "insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus" (IDDM) or "juvenile diabetes". The cause is unknown.
Type 2 diabetes[edit]
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" (NIDDM) or "adult-onset diabetes".
Gestational diabetes[edit]
Gestational diabetes occurs when pregnant women without a previous history of diabetes develop high blood sugar levels.
Symptoms[edit]
The classic symptoms of untreated diabetes are unintended weight loss, polyuria (increased urination), polydipsia (increased thirst), and polyphagia (increased hunger). Symptoms may develop rapidly (weeks or months) in type 1 diabetes, while they usually develop much more slowly and may be subtle or absent in type 2 diabetes.
Complications[edit]
All forms of diabetes increase the risk of long-term complications. These typically develop after many years (10–20), but may be the first symptom in those who have otherwise not received a diagnosis before that time.
Cardiovascular disease[edit]
Diabetes doubles the risk of cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease and stroke.
Neuropathy[edit]
Diabetic neuropathy is damage to the nerves as a result of diabetes. The most common form is peripheral neuropathy, which affects the extremities.
Nephropathy[edit]
Diabetic nephropathy is damage to the kidneys which can lead to chronic kidney disease.
Retinopathy[edit]
Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the retina of the eyes, which can lead to blindness.
Management[edit]
Management of diabetes focuses on keeping blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible, without causing low blood sugar. This can usually be accomplished with diet, exercise, and use of appropriate medications (insulin in the case of type 1 diabetes; oral medications, as well as possibly insulin, in type 2 diabetes).
Lifestyle[edit]
A healthy diet and regular physical activity are important components of diabetes management.
Medications[edit]
Medications for diabetes include insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents.
Prevention[edit]
Type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented. Type 2 diabetes, which accounts for 85–90% of all cases, can often be prevented or delayed by maintaining a normal body weight, engaging in physical activity, and eating a healthy diet.
