Diabetes mellitus medical terminology
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Understanding Diabetes Mellitus: Medical Terminology and Key Concepts
Definition and Description of Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes Mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by chronic hyperglycemia due to defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both . This persistent high blood sugar can lead to long-term damage, dysfunction, and failure of various organs, particularly the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and blood vessels .
Pathogenesis and Etiology
The pathogenesis of diabetes involves multiple processes, ranging from autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta-cells, leading to insulin deficiency, to abnormalities causing insulin resistance . Both genetic and environmental factors play significant roles in the development of diabetes . The abnormalities in carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism in diabetes are primarily due to deficient insulin action on target tissues .
Types of Diabetes Mellitus
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes is characterized by an absolute deficiency of insulin secretion due to autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta-cells. Individuals at risk can often be identified by serological evidence of an autoimmune process and genetic markers .
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes is more prevalent and results from a combination of resistance to insulin action and an inadequate compensatory insulin secretory response. This type can remain asymptomatic for a long period, with hyperglycemia causing pathological changes in various tissues before clinical symptoms appear .
Symptoms and Complications
Symptoms of marked hyperglycemia include polyuria (excessive urination), polydipsia (excessive thirst), weight loss, polyphagia (excessive hunger), and blurred vision. Chronic hyperglycemia can impair growth and increase susceptibility to infections . Acute, life-threatening consequences of uncontrolled diabetes include hyperglycemia with ketoacidosis or nonketotic hyperosmolar syndrome .
Long-term complications include:
- Retinopathy: Potential loss of vision.
- Nephropathy: Leading to renal failure.
- Peripheral Neuropathy: Risk of foot ulcers, amputations, and Charcot joints.
- Autonomic Neuropathy: Causing gastrointestinal, genitourinary, cardiovascular symptoms, and sexual dysfunction.
- Cardiovascular Diseases: Increased incidence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular, peripheral arterial, and cerebrovascular diseases .
Diagnosis and Classification
Diabetes is diagnosed by measuring blood or plasma glucose levels. A random plasma glucose level ≥ 200 mg/dL with classic symptoms, a fasting plasma glucose level ≥ 126 mg/dL, or a 2-hour plasma glucose level ≥ 200 mg/dL after an oral glucose challenge are sufficient for diagnosis. The classification of diabetes is based on the pathophysiology of each form, with the major types being type 1 and type 2 diabetes .
Management and Treatment
Management of diabetes involves achieving adequate glycemic control through weight reduction, exercise, and/or oral glucose-lowering agents. Some individuals may require exogenous insulin for adequate glycemic control, especially those with extensive beta-cell destruction . The severity of the metabolic abnormality can progress, regress, or remain stable, reflecting the underlying disease process and its treatment .
Conclusion
Diabetes Mellitus is a complex group of metabolic disorders with significant health implications. Understanding its pathogenesis, types, symptoms, complications, and management strategies is crucial for effective treatment and prevention of long-term damage.
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