Diabetes
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Understanding Diabetes: Types, Causes, and Global Impact
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 condition leads to long-term damage and dysfunction of various organs, including the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and blood vessels1 5 6 8 9 10. The primary pathogenic processes range from autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells, resulting in insulin deficiency, to abnormalities causing insulin resistance1 5 6 8 9 10.
Symptoms and Complications of Diabetes
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 infections1 5 6 8 9 10. Acute, life-threatening consequences of uncontrolled diabetes include ketoacidosis and nonketotic hyperosmolar syndrome. Long-term complications encompass retinopathy, nephropathy, peripheral neuropathy, and autonomic neuropathy, leading to significant morbidity and mortality1 5 6 8 9 10.
Classification of Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes is characterized by an absolute deficiency of insulin secretion due to autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells. Individuals at risk can often be identified by serological evidence of an autoimmune process and genetic markers1 5 6 8 9 10. The incidence of type 1 diabetes is approximately 15 per 100,000 people globally, with a prevalence of 9.5%4.
Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 Diabetes is more prevalent and results from a combination of insulin resistance and inadequate compensatory insulin secretion. This type often remains asymptomatic for a long period, during which abnormal carbohydrate metabolism can be detected through plasma glucose measurements1 5 6 8 9 10. The condition is closely linked to obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and poor nutrition, with significant increases in prevalence observed globally2 3.
Global and Societal Implications
The incidence of diabetes, particularly type 2, has increased dramatically worldwide due to changes in human behavior and lifestyle over the last century. This epidemic, often referred to as 'diabesity' when associated with obesity, is exacerbated by genetic susceptibility in certain ethnic groups and environmental factors such as sedentary lifestyles and rich diets3. The prevention and control of diabetes and its complications require an integrated, international approach to reduce the significant premature morbidity and mortality it causes3.
Current Treatment Approaches
Standard treatment for diabetes includes lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, along with medications like biguanides and agents that increase circulating insulin to overcome insulin resistance2. However, diabetes is a lifelong illness that generally worsens over time, often leading to debilitating complications despite standard treatments2. This indicates that our current understanding and treatment approaches may be inadequate, necessitating further research and innovation in diabetes management2.
Conclusion
Diabetes Mellitus is a complex and chronic condition with significant health implications. Understanding its types, causes, and global impact is crucial for developing effective prevention and treatment strategies. While current treatments focus on managing symptoms and complications, there is a pressing need for more comprehensive approaches to address the underlying causes and improve patient outcomes.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Diagnosis and Classification of Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia caused by defects in insulin secretion or insulin action, leading to long-term damage and dysfunction of various organs.
Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedDiabetes: Have We Got It All Wrong?
Current diabetes treatments, including diet, exercise, and insulin, may not be effective enough to prevent and treat the disease.
Meta-Analysis
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedGlobal and societal implications of the diabetes epidemic
The global diabetes epidemic, primarily caused by type 2 diabetes and its associated conditions, requires an integrated, international approach to prevent and control its premature morbidity and mortality.
Highly CitedPrevalence and incidence of type 1 diabetes in the world: a systematic review and meta-analysis
The incidence and prevalence of type 1 diabetes are increasing globally, making insulin access and affordability difficult, especially in underdeveloped and developing countries.
Meta-AnalysisVery Rigorous JournalHighly CitedDiagnosis and Classification of Diabetes Mellitus The information that follows is based largely on the reports of the Expert Committee on the Diagnosis and Classification of Diabetes (Diabetes Care 20:1183–1197, 1997, and Diabetes Care 26:3160–3167, 2003).
Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia caused by defects in insulin secretion or insulin action, leading to long-term damage and dysfunction of various organs.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedDiagnosis and Classification of Diabetes Mellitus The information that follows is based largely on the reports of the Expert Committee on the Diagnosis and Classification of Diabetes (Diabetes Care 20:1183–1197, 1997, and Diabetes Care 26:3160–3167, 2003).
Type 2 diabetes is caused by a combination of insulin resistance and insulin deficiency, with autoimmune destruction of pancreatic b-cells as a primary cause.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedClassification and Diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus and Other Categories of Glucose Intolerance
This classification reclassifies diabetes into distinct subclasses based on genetics, treatment, and associated conditions, improving understanding of the disease's scope and impact.
Highly CitedDiagnosis and Classification of Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes Mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both, with long-term damage to various organs and increased risk of complications.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedDiagnosis and classification of diabetes mellitus.
Type 2 diabetes is caused by resistance to insulin action and inadequate insulin secretory response, and may present for long periods without symptoms before diagnosis.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedDiagnosis and Classification of Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia caused by defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both, leading to long-term damage and dysfunction of various organs.
Rigorous JournalHighly Cited