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Diabetes mellitus, commonly known as diabetes, is a chronic metabolic disorder characterised by elevated levels of blood glucose (blood sugar). This occurs because the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or can't effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps glucose from food get into your cells to be used for energy.

Here's a breakdown of key aspects of diabetes:

• High Blood Glucose (Hyperglycemia): The fundamental characteristic of diabetes is persistently high levels of glucose in the bloodstream. This happens when there isn't enough insulin to move glucose into cells or when the cells become resistant to insulin's effects.
• Insulin's Role: Insulin acts like a key that unlocks the doors of your body's cells, allowing glucose to enter and be used for energy. Without enough insulin or with insulin resistance, glucose builds up in the blood.
• Types of Diabetes: The main types of diabetes are:
  • Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune disease where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin daily to survive. It's often diagnosed in children and young adults but can occur at any age.
  • Type 2 Diabetes: The most common type, where the body becomes resistant to the effects of insulin, and over time, the pancreas may not produce enough insulin to keep blood glucose levels normal. It's often associated with lifestyle factors like obesity, physical inactivity, and family history, and it's more common in adults, although it's increasingly seen in children and adolescents.
  • Gestational Diabetes: Develops during pregnancy in women who didn't have diabetes before. It usually resolves after the baby is born, but it increases the mother's risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life and can pose risks to the baby.
  • Other specific types: These include diabetes caused by genetic defects, certain medical conditions, or medications.
• Symptoms: Symptoms of diabetes can vary depending on the type and how high blood sugar levels are. Common symptoms include:
  • Frequent urination (especially at night)
  • Excessive thirst
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Increased hunger
  • Blurred vision
  • Slow-healing sores or frequent infections
  • Fatigue
• Complications: Over time, persistently high blood glucose levels can lead to serious health problems affecting various parts of the body, including:
  • Cardiovascular disease: Heart attack, stroke, and narrowed blood vessels.
  • Neuropathy: Nerve damage, causing pain, numbness, and tingling, especially in the feet and legs.
  • Nephropathy: Kidney damage, which can lead to kidney failure.
  • Retinopathy: Eye damage, which can lead to blindness.
  • Foot problems: Increased risk of infections, ulcers, and even amputation.
  • Skin conditions: Increased susceptibility to bacterial and fungal infections.
• Management: Diabetes management typically involves a combination of:
  • Lifestyle modifications: Healthy diet, regular physical activity, and weight management.
  • Medications: Including oral medications and/or insulin injections (especially for type 1 and sometimes for type 2).
  • Blood glucose monitoring: Regularly checking blood sugar levels to guide treatment.
  • Education and support: Learning about diabetes and how to manage it effectively.

In essence, diabetes is a chronic condition where the body has trouble regulating blood glucose, which can lead to a range of health complications if not properly managed. Early diagnosis and consistent management are crucial for people with diabetes to live healthy lives and reduce their risk of long-term problems.