Diabetes (or Diabetes Mellitus)
Diabetes is a disease characterized by the ineffectual secretion or action of insulin in the body. The technical term for diabetes is diabetes mellitus, or literally “honey-sweet diabetes.” The ineffectual action of the insulin leads to hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). There are various types of diabetes, the most common being type 1 and type 2.
Type 1 diabetes is sometimes called juvenile onset diabetes. It is characterized by the body’s inability to create insulin.
Type 2 diabetes is sometimes called adult diabetes. It is characterized by the body’s inability to use insulin.
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Onset | Often as a child or adolescent. | Generally develops as an adult, but can be developed as a child. |
Increased thirst, increased urination, weight loss, fatigue | See Type 1 | |
Insulin (injections or oral) | Diet and exercise modification | |
Genetics, environment | Diet, obesity, genetics, environment |
As of 2006, the World Health Organization estimates there to be at least 171 million people suffering from diabetes worldwide. The American Diabetes Association estimates that there are 20.8 million adults and children with diabetes in the United States.
