Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition that millions of people around the world suffer from. This article discusses the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus.

The pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus in all forms is related to the insulin hormone. Insulin is secreted by cells in the pancreas and is responsible for regulating the level of glucose in the bloodstream. It also aids the body in breaking down the glucose to be used as energy. When someone suffers from diabetes, however, the body does not break down the glucose in the blood as a result of abnormal insulin metabolism. This results in elevated levels of glucose in the blood, which is known as hyperglycemia. When glucose levels remain high over an extended period of time, severe complications including cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, eye disorders, and nerve problems can occur. Diabetes mellitus occurs in three different forms - type 1, type 2, and gestational.

In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas does not create as much insulin as the body requires. It is suggested by the pathophysiology of type 1 diabetes mellitus that it is actually an autoimmune disease in which the sufferer's own immune system secretes substances that attack and destroy the cells in the pancreas that are supposed to produce insulin. As a result, the pancreas begins producing little or no insulin. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas produces normal amounts of the insulin hormone, but the cells in the body do not absorb it properly and do not respond to it. Like type 1 diabetes, this also causes excess glucose to build up in the bloodstream. Lastly, gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and is caused due to hormone fluctuations during pregnancy. This type of diabetes normally resolves itself after the baby is born.

The symptoms of all three forms of diabetes are similar and include fatigue, increased hunger and thirst, and frequent urination. It is important to begin treatment for the disease as soon as possible. When diabetes in any form is detected early, it is often possible to prevent severe complications. Because diabetes is suffered by millions of people spanning the globe, there are ongoing studies dedicated to finding cures and additional treatment options that can further help to reduce the risk of severe effects.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition that millions of people around the world suffer from. This article discusses the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus.

The pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus in all forms is related to the insulin hormone. Insulin is secreted by cells in the pancreas and is responsible for regulating the level of glucose in the bloodstream. It also aids the body in breaking down the glucose to be used as energy. When someone suffers from diabetes, however, the body does not break down the glucose in the blood as a result of abnormal insulin metabolism. This results in elevated levels of glucose in the blood, which is known as hyperglycemia. When glucose levels remain high over an extended period of time, severe complications including cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, eye disorders, and nerve problems can occur. Diabetes mellitus occurs in three different forms - type 1, type 2, and gestational.

In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas does not create as much insulin as the body requires. It is suggested by the pathophysiology of type 1 diabetes mellitus that it is actually an autoimmune disease in which the sufferer's own immune system secretes substances that attack and destroy the cells in the pancreas that are supposed to produce insulin. As a result, the pancreas begins producing little or no insulin. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas produces normal amounts of the insulin hormone, but the cells in the body do not absorb it properly and do not respond to it. Like type 1 diabetes, this also causes excess glucose to build up in the bloodstream. Lastly, gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and is caused due to hormone fluctuations during pregnancy. This type of diabetes normally resolves itself after the baby is born.

The symptoms of all three forms of diabetes are similar and include fatigue, increased hunger and thirst, and frequent urination. It is important to begin treatment for the disease as soon as possible. When diabetes in any form is detected early, it is often possible to prevent severe complications. Because diabetes is suffered by millions of people spanning the globe, there are ongoing studies dedicated to finding cures and additional treatment options that can further help to reduce the risk of severe effects.