What is diabetes
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Understanding Diabetes: A Comprehensive Overview
Definition and Characteristics of Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by chronic hyperglycemia, which results from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both . This chronic condition leads to long-term damage, dysfunction, and failure of various organs, particularly the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and blood vessels . The primary hallmark of diabetes is elevated blood glucose levels, which can cause significant health complications if not managed properly .
Pathogenesis and Types of Diabetes
Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)
Type 1 diabetes is primarily caused by an autoimmune destruction of the beta-cells in the pancreas, leading to an absolute deficiency of insulin secretion . Individuals at risk for T1D can often be identified by serological evidence of an autoimmune process and genetic markers . The incidence of T1D is increasing globally, with significant implications for insulin accessibility, especially in underdeveloped regions.
Type 2 Diabetes (T2D)
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 of diabetes often remains asymptomatic for a long period, during which abnormal carbohydrate metabolism can be detected through plasma glucose measurements . T2D is strongly associated with environmental factors such as obesity and lack of exercise, and it represents the fastest increasing disease worldwide.
Symptoms and Complications of Diabetes
Acute Symptoms
Marked hyperglycemia in diabetes can lead to symptoms such as polyuria (frequent urination), polydipsia (excessive thirst), weight loss, polyphagia (excessive hunger), and blurred vision . Chronic hyperglycemia can impair growth and increase susceptibility to infections .
Long-term Complications
Long-term complications of diabetes 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, and cardiovascular symptoms, and sexual dysfunction .
- Cardiovascular Diseases: Increased incidence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular, peripheral arterial, and cerebrovascular diseases .
Diagnosis and Classification
The diagnosis of diabetes involves measuring plasma glucose levels in the fasting state or after an oral glucose load . The classification of diabetes into T1D and T2D helps in understanding the underlying pathogenesis and guiding treatment strategies . The severity of hyperglycemia reflects the extent of the underlying metabolic process and its treatment .
Conclusion
Diabetes mellitus is a complex group of metabolic diseases with significant health implications. Understanding its pathogenesis, types, symptoms, and complications is crucial for effective management and treatment. With the increasing prevalence of diabetes worldwide, especially T2D, addressing both genetic and environmental factors is essential for controlling this global health challenge.
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