Diabetes mellitus

Definition

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels due to insufficient insulin production or the body's cells becoming resistant to insulin. This condition disrupts the body's ability to use glucose for energy, leading to various health complications over time. Diabetes mellitus encompasses two primary types: Type 1, where the pancreas produces little to no insulin, and Type 2, where the body cannot effectively use insulin, often linked to lifestyle factors.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Type 1 diabetes is typically diagnosed in children and young adults, while Type 2 diabetes is more common in adults and is often associated with obesity.
2. Long-term complications of diabetes can include heart disease, kidney damage, nerve damage, and vision problems due to the effects of prolonged high blood sugar.
3. Management of diabetes often involves lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise, along with monitoring blood glucose levels and possibly insulin therapy.
4. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus has been increasing globally, partly due to rising obesity rates and sedentary lifestyles.
5. Diabetes can also lead to acute complications like diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in Type 1 diabetes, which occurs when the body starts breaking down fat for energy instead of glucose.

Review Questions

• How does insulin function in the body, and what role does it play in the management of diabetes mellitus?
  • Insulin functions as a key hormone that helps regulate blood glucose levels by allowing glucose to enter the body's cells for energy. In individuals with diabetes mellitus, particularly Type 1, there is little to no insulin produced by the pancreas, resulting in high blood sugar levels. In Type 2 diabetes, the body's cells become resistant to insulin's effects. Proper management of diabetes often includes monitoring blood glucose levels and administering insulin therapy or medications that improve insulin sensitivity.
• Discuss the differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes mellitus in terms of causes, symptoms, and treatment approaches.
  • Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the pancreas fails to produce sufficient insulin due to the destruction of insulin-producing cells. It typically manifests early in life and requires lifelong insulin therapy. In contrast, Type 2 diabetes is primarily influenced by lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise; it occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce enough. Treatment for Type 2 may include lifestyle modifications, oral medications, or insulin if necessary. Both types share symptoms like increased thirst and frequent urination but differ significantly in their underlying mechanisms and management strategies.
• Evaluate the long-term implications of poorly managed diabetes mellitus on overall health and how these can be mitigated through effective treatment plans.
  • Poorly managed diabetes mellitus can lead to severe long-term health complications such as cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy due to prolonged high blood sugar levels. These conditions arise from damage caused by excess glucose in the bloodstream. To mitigate these risks, effective treatment plans must focus on maintaining optimal blood sugar control through lifestyle changes like a balanced diet and regular physical activity, along with medical interventions such as medication or insulin therapy. Regular monitoring and follow-up care are essential in preventing complications and promoting overall health.

Related terms

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

Glucose:

A simple sugar that serves as a primary energy source for the body's cells, obtained from food and regulated by insulin.

Hyperglycemia: A condition characterized by excessively high blood glucose levels, often a result of uncontrolled diabetes.