Diabetes word
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Summary
8 papers analyzed
These studies suggest that the word "diabetes" originates from the Greek word meaning "to run through" and refers to a group of metabolic diseases characterized by high blood sugar due to defects in insulin secretion or action, leading to long-term organ damage.
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Understanding Diabetes: Historical Context and Modern Definitions
Origin of the Term "Diabetes"
The term "diabetes" has its roots in ancient Greek. It is derived from the Greek verb "diabaino," meaning "I go" or "I run through," and the noun "diabetes," which refers to something that fluid runs through, akin to a siphon or water-pipe. This term was introduced into medical terminology by Aretaeus of Cappadocia in the first century AD . Aretaeus' description of diabetes highlighted the excessive fluid loss experienced by patients, a characteristic that remains central to the understanding of the disease today.
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes mellitus encompasses a range of autoimmune, metabolic, and genetic disorders characterized primarily by hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar levels. The measurement of plasma glucose and the thresholds for defining normal and abnormal levels have evolved over the past two decades, reflecting ongoing research and differing approaches between regions such as the USA and other parts of the world.
Diagnosis and Classification of Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes is classified as a group of metabolic diseases marked by chronic hyperglycemia due to defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both . The chronic hyperglycemia associated with diabetes can lead to long-term damage and dysfunction of various organs, including the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and blood vessels .
Pathogenic Processes
Several pathogenic processes contribute to the development of diabetes. These range from autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta-cells, leading to insulin deficiency, to abnormalities causing insulin resistance . The resulting metabolic abnormalities affect carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism due to deficient insulin action on target tissues .
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 also 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, nephropathy, peripheral neuropathy, and autonomic neuropathy, which can lead to severe outcomes such as vision loss, renal failure, foot ulcers, amputations, and cardiovascular issues .
Types of Diabetes
The majority of diabetes cases fall into two main categories: type 1 and type 2 diabetes .
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is characterized by an absolute deficiency of insulin secretion. Individuals at risk can often be identified by serological evidence of an autoimmune process in the pancreatic islets and genetic markers .
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes, the more prevalent form, results from a combination of insulin resistance and an inadequate compensatory insulin secretory response. This type can remain asymptomatic for a long period, during which abnormal carbohydrate metabolism can be detected through plasma glucose measurements .
Conclusion
Diabetes mellitus is a complex group of diseases with a rich historical background and significant modern implications. Understanding its origins, definitions, and classifications helps in managing and treating this chronic condition effectively. The ongoing evolution in diagnostic criteria and treatment approaches underscores the importance of continued research and adaptation in the medical field.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
3
Diagnosis and classification of diabetes mellitus.
3
592 Citations
2005