Diabetes mellitus, also commonly known as diabetes, is a long-term metabolic disorder that causes high levels of glucose (fasting >126 mg/dl and/or post-prandial>200 mg/dl) in the blood. It occurs when the pancreas – which produces the hormone insulin – either fails to produce (any or enough) insulin or fails to use it to keep the blood glucose in control effectively.
Diabetes has two main types: Type 1, often seen in children and young people, and Type 2, which affects adults of all ages. Another form, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), occurs during pregnancy and impacts many women worldwide.
Symptoms include frequent urination, excessive thirst, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow wound healing. Risk factors include genetics, obesity, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, and hypertension (high blood pressure). Gestational diabetes risk increases with pregnancy-related hormonal changes.
Diabetes management includes lifestyle changes, oral medications, and some injectables. Effective care requires a lifelong commitment to a healthy lifestyle, timely medication, and regular checkups to prevent complications.
