Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes mellitus is a disorder of carbohydrate metabolism caused probably by both hereditary and environmental factors. There is an inadequate secretion and utilisation of insulin. This is manifested by polydipsia, polyuria and polyphagia. The word diabetes mellitus is derived from the Greek word meaning “a siphon” because people with diabetes passed out water like a siphon. Diabetes mellitus is a term used to differentiate it from another condition called diabetes insipidus. Mellitus means sweet, insipid means tasteless (diabetes insipidus is characterised by an excessive loss of water due to lack of antidiuretic hormone secreted by the posterior pituitary). Diabetes mellitus is of 2 types. Type 1 diabetes is because of a total lack of functional
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The drugs used to overcome such complications were mainly aimed at reducing the hyperglycemic state. A reduction in the blood glucose levels significantly reduces their complications as well. Diabetes is associated with hyperglycemia and its surges not only cause metabolic disturbances but also lead to damage to the vital organs. Nephropathy resulting in renal failure is a morbid condition. A steep fall in vision often was the first reason for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. This underlined the damage caused to the retina even before a blood test could reveal the diabetes mellitus which is like the tip of an iceberg. Peripheral neuritis is a condition leading to tingling and numbness and parasthesia. A damage to the peripheral nervous system results in insentiveness to pain and temperature. The protective effect on the skin is lost leading to ulcers and carbuncles. Of late, epidemiological studies threw more light on factors influencing the outcome and ill effects of hyperglycemia. These are helping in the development of newer regimens in the treatment of diabetes. Environmental and genetic factors are recognised culprits of type 1 as well as type 2 diabetes. Whether it is resistance to insulin receptors or decreased receptivity still remains debatable. Most authors and studies are inclined to believe that both are
The drugs used to overcome such complications were mainly aimed at reducing the hyperglycemic state. A reduction in the blood glucose levels significantly reduces their complications as well. Diabetes is associated with hyperglycemia and its surges not only cause metabolic disturbances but also lead to damage to the vital organs. Nephropathy resulting in renal failure is a morbid condition. A steep fall in vision often was the first reason for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. This underlined the damage caused to the retina even before a blood test could reveal the diabetes mellitus which is like the tip of an iceberg. Peripheral neuritis is a condition leading to tingling and numbness and parasthesia. A damage to the peripheral nervous system results in insentiveness to pain and temperature. The protective effect on the skin is lost leading to ulcers and carbuncles. Of late, epidemiological studies threw more light on factors influencing the outcome and ill effects of hyperglycemia. These are helping in the development of newer regimens in the treatment of diabetes. Environmental and genetic factors are recognised culprits of type 1 as well as type 2 diabetes. Whether it is resistance to insulin receptors or decreased receptivity still remains debatable. Most authors and studies are inclined to believe that both are