Diabetes Mellitus

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Diabetes Mellitus is a disorder characterised by abnormal sugar blood levels of glucose (hyperglycemia) due to inadequate ( or untimely or ineffective function of insulin) release of the hormone insulin which regulates blood sugar levels. Diabetes Mellitus, also called Type 2 diabetes (previously called adult onset diabetes) is usually characterized by body tissue resistance to the action of insulin (also termed insulin-resistance).

Type 2 diabetes is often treated by monitoring the diet, weight reduction, exercise, and oral medication. Insulin injections are used in diabetes mellitus if oral medication is ineffective or has side effects which are intolerable. Most cases of diabetes mellitus are treated with insulin injections, although many of them about 20% may be managed by lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise alone.

Causes of Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes Mellitus is caused by diminished insulin function. As insulin controls the uptake of glucose from blood to cells, diminished insulin effect causes hyperglycemia or high blood sugar because the sugar levels in the blood rise due to an inability of cells to take it up. Diabetes can be caused by:

Insulin-resistance:

A loss of insulin signalling function. i.e. cells are less responsive to insulin. This is known to be caused by aging, obesity, abdominal fat, diet and lifestyle patterns such as a lack of exercise.

Obesity:

Obesity is linked to insulin-resistance and diabetes. This is due to an increase in abdominal fat stores which are known to cause insulin-resistance.

Diminished insulin production:

Insulin is able to compensate initially for insulin-resistance. However, as time progresses, the pancreas begins to fail due to the higher load placed on the pancreas to produce more insulin. As the pancreas fails, the cells that were insulin-resistant now receive even less insulin with the result that blood sugar levels get even higher leading to severe hyperglycemia if left untreated.