Diabetes is a
metabolic disorder characterized by hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
and other signs, as distinct from a single illness or condition. The
World Health Organization recognizes three main forms of diabetes
mellitus: type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes (occurring during
pregnancy),[1] which have similar signs, symptoms, and consequences,
but different causes and population distributions. Ultimately, all
forms are due to the beta cells of the pancreas being unable to produce
sufficient insulin to prevent hyperglycemia.[2] Type 1 is usually due
to autoimmune destruction of the pancreatic beta cells which produce
insulin. Type 2 is characterized by tissue-wide insulin resistance and
varies widely; it sometimes progresses to loss of beta cell function.
Gestational diabetes is similar to type 2 diabetes, in that it involves
insulin resistance; the hormones of pregnancy cause insulin resistance
in those women genetically predisposed to developing this condition.
Types 1 and 2 are incurable chronic conditions, but have been treatable
since insulin became medically available in 1921, and today are usually
managed with a combination of dietary treatment, tablets (in type 2)
and, frequently, insulin supplementation. Gestational diabetes
typically resolves with delivery.
Diabetes
can cause many complications. Acute complications (hypoglycemia,
ketoacidosis or nonketotic hyperosmolar coma) may occur if the disease
is not adequately controlled. Serious long-term complications include
cardiovascular disease (doubled risk), chronic renal failure (diabetic
nephropathy is the main cause of dialysis in developed world adults),
retinal damage (which can lead to blindness and is the most significant
cause of adult blindness in the non-elderly in the developed world),
nerve damage (of several kinds), and microvascular damage, which may
cause erectile dysfunction (impotence) and poor healing. Poor healing
of wounds, particularly of the feet, can lead to gangrene which can
require amputation — the leading cause of non-traumatic amputation in
adults in the developed world. Adequate treatment of diabetes, as well
as increased emphasis on blood pressure control and lifestyle factors
(such as not smoking and keeping a healthy body weight), may improve
the risk profile of most aforementioned complications.
NB: information from Wikipedia.com
