Glossary / Lexicon

Diabetes mellitus refers to a condition characterized by high blood glucose levels due to inadequate insulin.

Type I Diabetics are insulin dependent, whereas Type II Diabetics are resistant to insulin. It refers to a severe, chronic form of diabetes caused by insufficient production of insulin and resulting in disruption in the breaking down and storage of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. This disease usually appears in childhood and is characterized by increased sugar levels in the blood and urine and excessive thirst Diabetes mellitus, moreover, is a condition in which the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood is too high because the body cannot deal with it properly. The main symptoms of untreated diabetes are increased thirst, extreme tiredness, increased urination (especially at night), weight loss, genital itching or regular episodes of thrush, and blurred vision. The main aim of treatment of diabetes is to achieve near-normal blood glucose and blood pressure levels. This, together with a healthy lifestyle, will help to improve well-being and may protect against long-term damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart and major arteries. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps glucose to enter the cells where it is used as fuel by the body. Type 1 (insulin dependent) diabetes develops if the body is unable to produce any insulin. This type usually appears before the age of 40. It is treated by insulin injections and diet. Type 2 (non-insulin dependent) diabetes develops when the body can make insulin, but not enough, or when the insulin produced does not work properly. This type usually appears in people over the age of 40. It is treated by diet alone, or by diet and tablets or, sometimes, by diet and insulin injections.