Diabetes is a group of diseases characterized by
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Consensus Meter
Understanding Diabetes: A Group of Metabolic Diseases
Definition and Characteristics of Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases primarily characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, which results from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both . This chronic hyperglycemia is associated with long-term damage, dysfunction, and failure of various organs, especially the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and blood vessels .
Pathogenesis and Metabolic Abnormalities
The development of diabetes involves several pathogenic processes, ranging from autoimmune destruction of the beta-cells of the pancreas, leading to insulin deficiency, to abnormalities that result in resistance to insulin action . The abnormalities in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism in diabetes are due to deficient action of insulin on target tissues, which can result from inadequate insulin secretion and/or diminished tissue responses to insulin .
Symptoms and Acute Complications
Symptoms of marked hyperglycemia include polyuria (frequent urination), polydipsia (increased thirst), weight loss, polyphagia (increased hunger), and blurred vision . Chronic hyperglycemia can also impair growth and increase susceptibility to certain infections . Acute, life-threatening consequences of uncontrolled diabetes include hyperglycemia with ketoacidosis or the nonketotic hyperosmolar syndrome .
Long-term Complications
Long-term complications of diabetes include retinopathy, which can lead to vision loss; nephropathy, which can result in renal failure; peripheral neuropathy, which increases the risk of foot ulcers, amputations, and Charcot joints; and autonomic neuropathy, which can cause gastrointestinal, genitourinary, cardiovascular symptoms, and sexual dysfunction . Additionally, patients with diabetes have an increased incidence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular, peripheral arterial, and cerebrovascular diseases .
Types of Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by an absolute deficiency of insulin secretion. Individuals at increased risk of developing this type can often be identified by serological evidence of an autoimmune pathologic process occurring in the pancreatic islets and by genetic markers . The incidence of type 1 diabetes is increasing globally, with significant challenges in accessing and affording insulin, especially in underdeveloped and developing countries.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes, which is much more prevalent, is caused by a combination of resistance to insulin action and an inadequate compensatory insulin secretory response . A degree of hyperglycemia sufficient to cause pathologic and functional changes in various target tissues, but without clinical symptoms, may be present for a long period before diabetes is detected . During this asymptomatic period, it is possible to demonstrate an abnormality in carbohydrate metabolism by measuring plasma glucose in the fasting state or after a challenge with an oral glucose load .
Conclusion
Diabetes is a complex group of metabolic diseases characterized by chronic hyperglycemia due to defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. It leads to significant long-term complications affecting various organs and systems in the body. Understanding the pathogenesis, symptoms, and types of diabetes is crucial for effective management and treatment of this growing global health issue.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic