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Diabetes mellitus (or diabetes) occurs when the pancreas fails to make enough insulin, or the insulin produced does not work properly. Following eating, sugars (glucose) eaten must be transported (in the blood) from the intestines to cells where they are required for fuel. Insulin acts as a key to open the cell permitting the entry of glucose. If this does not occur, the glucose remains in the blood, and blood glucose levels rise resulting in hyperglycaemia (“hyper" = high, “glyc" = glucose, “aemia"= in the blood). Hyperglycaemia above a certain level is required for the diagnosis of diabetes.

 

There are two main types accounting for approximately 99% of diabetes, and many other causes accounting for the remainder:

 

Type 1 diabetes

 

“Type 1" diabetes (previously called insulin dependent diabetes mellitus) results from inadequate insulin production. It commonly occurs before age 30, but may occur at any time during life. Type 1 diabetes is controlled with insulin. In the UK, of 100 people with diabetes, approximately 8 will have Type 1 diabetes.

 

Type 2 diabetes

 

“Type 2" diabetes (previously called non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus) results from the body not using insulin efficiently. This usually, but not always, results from being overweight. As a result, the pancreas works harder, and may wear out. The treatment for Type 2 diabetes focuses on diet and exercise, tablets both to make the body produce more insulin and be more sensitive to insulin.. Most patients with Type 2 diabetes ultimately require insulin. In the UK, of 100 people with diabetes, approximately 91 will have Type 2 diabetes.

 

Diabetes may also result from having one’s pancreas damaged or surgically removed, taking corticosteroids, immuno-suppressives or other medications, or due to genetic reasons, among other causes.