Diabetes UK

Overview of diabetes mellitus

For other uses, see Diabetes UK (disambiguation).

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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.

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.

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