Diabetes mellitus classification
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Overview of Diabetes Mellitus Classification
Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases marked by chronic hyperglycemia due to defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. The classification of diabetes is essential for diagnosis, management, and research, and has evolved over time to reflect advances in understanding its causes and progression 12347810.
Main Types of Diabetes Mellitus
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus (Autoimmune and Non-Autoimmune)
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by the destruction of pancreatic beta cells, leading to absolute insulin deficiency. This destruction is usually autoimmune but can also be idiopathic. It can occur at any age, not just in children, and is often associated with genetic markers and the presence of islet cell antibodies 123457810.
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (Insulin Resistance and Deficiency)
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form and results from a combination of insulin resistance and inadequate insulin secretion. It is often associated with obesity but can also occur in non-obese individuals. Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to its development. The disease can progress from normal glucose tolerance to impaired glucose tolerance and eventually to overt diabetes 123457810.
Other Specific Types
Other specific types of diabetes are caused by identifiable mechanisms or diseases, such as genetic defects (e.g., MODY), endocrinopathies, pancreatic diseases, infections, or drug-induced diabetes. This category is expected to expand as more causes are discovered 123457810.
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)
Gestational diabetes is defined as glucose intolerance that develops or is first recognized during pregnancy. It now includes both gestational impaired glucose tolerance and the previous definition of GDM 12347810.
Stages and Categories of Glucose Intolerance
The classification also includes stages of glucose metabolism:
- Normal Glucose Tolerance: Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) below 6.1 mmol/l (110 mg/dl) and 2-hour post-glucose load below 7.8 mmol/l (140 mg/dl).
- Impaired Fasting Glycaemia (IFG): FPG between 6.1 and 7.0 mmol/l (110–126 mg/dl).
- Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT): 2-hour post-glucose load between 7.8 and 11.1 mmol/l (140–200 mg/dl).
- Diabetic Type: FPG ≥7.0 mmol/l (126 mg/dl) or 2-hour post-glucose load ≥11.1 mmol/l (200 mg/dl) 1345810.
Diagnostic Criteria for Diabetes Mellitus
Diagnosis is based on blood or plasma glucose levels:
- Random plasma glucose ≥200 mg/dL with classic symptoms.
- Fasting plasma glucose ≥126 mg/dL on two separate occasions.
- 2-hour plasma glucose ≥200 mg/dL after a 75g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) 1345810.
Additional criteria include HbA1c ≥6.5% and the presence of diabetic complications such as retinopathy .
Machine Learning in Diabetes Classification
Recent research has applied machine learning techniques to improve the classification and prediction of diabetes. Ensemble methods and advanced algorithms like decision trees, random forests, and soft voting classifiers have shown promising accuracy in identifying diabetes, especially when handling imbalanced datasets 69.
Conclusion
The classification of diabetes mellitus is based on etiology (type 1, type 2, other specific types, and gestational diabetes) and the stage of glucose intolerance (normal, impaired, diabetic). Diagnostic criteria rely on specific glucose thresholds and clinical features. Advances in both clinical understanding and computational methods continue to refine the classification and prediction of diabetes, supporting better patient care and research 12345678+2 MORE.
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