Which of the following is true about diabetes
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These studies suggest that diabetes is a complex, chronic metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia due to defects in insulin secretion or action, influenced by genetic and environmental factors, and associated with significant health complications and disparities in prevalence and treatment.
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Understanding Diabetes: Key Insights and Facts
Definition and Types of Diabetes
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 vessels .
Type 1 Diabetes (T1D)
Type 1 diabetes is caused by an absolute deficiency of insulin secretion due to autoimmune destruction of the pancreatic beta-cells. It accounts for about 5-10% of all diabetes cases and is more common in children and adolescents .
Type 2 Diabetes (T2D)
Type 2 diabetes, which constitutes approximately 90-95% of all diabetes cases, is characterized by a combination of insulin resistance and an inadequate compensatory insulin secretory response. This type is more prevalent in adults but is increasingly being diagnosed in younger populations due to rising obesity rates .
Other Types
Other forms of diabetes include gestational diabetes, which occurs during pregnancy, and diabetes resulting from specific genetic conditions, surgery, drugs, malnutrition, infections, and other illnesses. These account for about 1-5% of all diabetes cases.
Prevalence and Epidemiology
Diabetes is a global health issue with a rapidly increasing prevalence. In 2011, there were an estimated 280 million diabetic patients worldwide, a number projected to exceed 500 million by 2030. In the United States, the prevalence of diagnosed diabetes has increased significantly over the past decades, affecting various sociodemographic groups unequally .
Pathogenesis and Risk Factors
The development of diabetes involves multiple pathogenic processes. For T1D, the primary cause is autoimmune destruction of beta-cells, leading to insulin deficiency. In T2D, the main factors include insulin resistance and inadequate insulin secretion. Obesity, lack of exercise, and genetic predisposition are significant risk factors for T2D .
Diagnosis and Classification
Diabetes can be diagnosed using various biomarkers, including fasting plasma glucose (FPG), 2-hour plasma glucose in an oral glucose tolerance test (2hOGTT), and HbA1c levels. Different diagnostic criteria can lead to variations in the estimated prevalence of diabetes and the identification of undiagnosed cases.
Complications and Management
Diabetes is associated with numerous complications, including cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, retinopathy, and nephropathy. Effective management typically involves lifestyle modifications (diet and exercise), medications to control blood glucose levels, and regular monitoring to prevent complications .
Conclusion
Diabetes is a complex and heterogeneous disease with significant global health implications. Understanding its types, risk factors, and complications is crucial for effective management and prevention. Continuous research and public health strategies are essential to address the growing diabetes epidemic and improve patient outcomes.
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