Diabetes mellitus

Definition

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by chronic high blood sugar levels due to insufficient insulin production or resistance to insulin's effects. This condition disrupts normal carbohydrate metabolism, leading to various complications if not properly managed, including cardiovascular disease and nerve damage.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. There are two main types of diabetes mellitus: Type 1, which is often diagnosed in childhood and results from the immune destruction of insulin-producing cells, and Type 2, which is more common and usually develops later in life due to insulin resistance.
2. Carbohydrate metabolism is significantly affected in diabetes, as the body's ability to use glucose for energy is impaired, leading to elevated blood sugar levels after eating.
3. Long-term complications of uncontrolled diabetes can include retinopathy, nephropathy, and peripheral neuropathy, which stem from damage caused by chronic hyperglycemia.
4. Lifestyle changes such as diet modification, regular physical activity, and weight management are crucial for managing Type 2 diabetes and improving overall carbohydrate metabolism.
5. Monitoring blood glucose levels regularly is essential for individuals with diabetes to prevent both acute complications like hypoglycemia and long-term complications associated with chronic high blood sugar.

Review Questions

• How does diabetes mellitus affect carbohydrate metabolism in the body?
  • Diabetes mellitus directly impacts carbohydrate metabolism by disrupting the normal utilization of glucose. In healthy individuals, insulin facilitates the uptake of glucose into cells for energy. However, in individuals with diabetes, either insufficient insulin production or resistance to its effects leads to elevated blood sugar levels. As a result, glucose remains in the bloodstream instead of being used for energy, causing metabolic dysregulation.
• Discuss the long-term complications associated with poorly managed diabetes mellitus and their relation to carbohydrate metabolism.
  • Poorly managed diabetes mellitus can lead to several long-term complications that arise from chronic high blood sugar levels affecting various organs. For example, diabetic retinopathy occurs when elevated glucose damages retinal blood vessels. Similarly, nephropathy results from glucose-related damage to kidney filtration units. These complications highlight how sustained hyperglycemia disrupts normal metabolic processes and leads to systemic damage over time.
• Evaluate the impact of lifestyle changes on managing diabetes mellitus and improving carbohydrate metabolism.
  • Lifestyle changes play a crucial role in managing diabetes mellitus and enhancing carbohydrate metabolism. For individuals with Type 2 diabetes, adopting a healthier diet focused on low-glycemic foods can help regulate blood sugar levels. Regular physical activity increases insulin sensitivity and assists in maintaining a healthy weight. By making these changes, individuals can improve their metabolic health, reduce the risk of complications, and achieve better control over their condition.

Related terms

Insulin: A hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells.

Hyperglycemia: A condition characterized by excessively high levels of glucose in the blood, often associated with diabetes mellitus.

Type 2 Diabetes: The most common form of diabetes mellitus, where the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn't produce enough insulin, often linked to obesity and a sedentary lifestyle.