Diabettes

Diabetes mellitus, or simply diabetes, is a group of metabolic diseases in which a person has high blood sugar, either because the pancreasdoes not produce enough insulin, or because cells do not respond to the insulin that is produced. This high blood sugar produces the classical symptoms of polyuria (frequent urination), polydipsia (increased thirst), and polyphagia (increased hunger). There are three main types of diabetes mellitus (DM). *. Type 1 DM results from the body's failure to produce insulin, and currently requires the person to inject insulin or wear an insulin pump. This form was previously referred to as "insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus" (IDDM) or "juvenile diabetes". *. Type 2 DM results from insulin resistance, a condition in which cells fail to use insulin properly, sometimes combined with an absolute insulin deficiency. This form was previously referred to as non insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or "adult-onset diabetes". *.The third main form, gestational diabetes, occurs when pregnant women without a previous diagnosis of diabetes develop a high blood glucose level. It may precede development of type 2 DM. Other forms of diabetes mellitus include congenital diabetes, which is due to geneticdefects of insulin secretion, cystic fibrosis-related diabetes, steroid diabetes induced by high doses of glucocorticoids, and several forms of monogenic diabetes. Untreated, diabetes can cause many complications. Acutecomplications include diabetic ketoacidosisand nonketotic hyperosmolar coma. Serious long-term complications include cardiovascular disease, chronic renal failure, and diabetic retinopathy (retinal damage). Adequate treatment of diabetes is thus important, as well as blood pressurecontrol and lifestyle factors such as stopping smokingand maintaining a healthy body weight. All forms of diabetes have been treatable since insulinbecame available in 1921, and type 2 diabetes may be controlled with medications. Insulin and some oral medications can cause hypoglycemia(low blood sugars), which can be dangerous if severe. Both types 1 and 2 are chronicconditions that cannot be cured. [ 3 ] Pancreas transplantshave been tried with limited success in type 1 DM; gastric bypass surgeryhas been successful in many with morbid obesityand type 2 DM. Gestational diabetes usually resolves after delivery.