What is diabetes miletus?
Diabetes mellitus, often referred to simply as diabetes, is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by high blood sugar (glucose) levels. Glucose is the main source of energy for the body's cells. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps glucose get into the cells for use as energy.
In people with diabetes, the body either does not produce enough insulin or does not use insulin well, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and nerves, leading to serious complications, including heart disease, stroke, blindness, kidney failure, and amputation.
There are three main types of diabetes:
* Type 1 diabetes: This type is characterized by the body's immune system attacking and destroying the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Type 1 diabetes typically develops in childhood or adolescence, but it can also occur in adults.
* Type 2 diabetes: This type is characterized by the body's cells becoming resistant to the effects of insulin. Type 2 diabetes typically develops in adults, and it is often associated with obesity, physical inactivity, and family history of diabetes.
* Gestational diabetes: This type occurs during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes usually goes away after the baby is born, but women who have had gestational diabetes are at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Diabetes is a serious disease, but it can be managed. People with diabetes can take medications to lower their blood sugar levels, eat a healthy diet, and get regular exercise to keep their blood sugar levels under control and reduce their risk of complications.