What Is Diabetes Mellitus?

This post was written with Consensus AI Academic Search Engine – please read our Disclaimer at the end of this article. Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high blood glucose levels due to defects in insulin production, insulin action, or both. There are primarily two types of diabetes: Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (T1DM) and Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM).

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. This leads to a significant reduction in insulin production, causing hyperglycemia. T1DM is often diagnosed in children and young adults, although it can occur at any age. The exact cause of T1DM is not fully understood, but it involves a combination of genetic and environmental factors1 4.

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is the most common form of diabetes, accounting for about 90-95% of all diabetes cases. It is characterized by insulin resistance, where the body’s cells do not respond effectively to insulin, and a relative deficiency in insulin production. T2DM is often associated with obesity, physical inactivity, and poor diet. It is more common in adults, but increasing numbers of children and adolescents are being diagnosed with the condition due to rising obesity rates7 8 9.

Risk Factors

Several risk factors contribute to the development of diabetes mellitus. For T1DM, genetic predisposition and environmental triggers such as viral infections are significant factors. For T2DM, risk factors include obesity, sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, age, family history of diabetes, and certain ethnic backgrounds2 8.

Complications

Diabetes mellitus can lead to a range of complications if not managed properly. These complications are broadly categorized into microvascular and macrovascular complications.

Microvascular Complications

• Retinopathy: Damage to the blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision problems and potentially blindness10.
• Nephropathy: Kidney damage that can progress to renal failure10.
• Neuropathy: Nerve damage that can cause pain, tingling, and loss of sensation, particularly in the extremities10.

Macrovascular Complications

• Cardiovascular Disease: Increased risk of heart disease and stroke due to atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular issues2 5.
• Peripheral Artery Disease: Reduced blood flow to the limbs, which can lead to pain and, in severe cases, amputation5.

Conclusion

Diabetes Mellitus is a complex and chronic condition with significant health implications. Understanding its types, risk factors, and potential complications is crucial for effective management and prevention. While T1DM is primarily an autoimmune condition, T2DM is largely influenced by lifestyle factors, making prevention strategies such as healthy diet and regular physical activity essential in reducing the incidence of this disease.

Disclaimer

The content presented in this blog is generated by Consensus, an AI-powered academic search engine, and is based on publicly available scientific literature. While every effort is made to provide accurate, up-to-date, and well-researched information, the content is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding medical conditions, treatments, or medications. The AI system’s analysis may not cover all perspectives, emerging research, or individual cases, and it is not a substitute for professional expertise. Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Use of this information is at your own risk. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional.

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