Definition of diabetes mellitus - facts and information
Much later on in Ancient Greece a Greek physician called Aretaeus of Cappadocia, in the 1st century, noted that excessive amount of urine passes through the kidneys and gave the disease the name – diabetes – it means to pass through. The word mellitus which stands for sweet or honey was later added to represent the fact that the urine was sweet. Hence the full name diabetes mellitus. In our modern society the term diabetes mellitus is more commonly referred to as diabetes. It is called sugar diabetes to differentiate it from diabetes insipidus which is referred to as water diabetes. Definition of diabetes mellitus Diabetes insipidus is a problem with hormone signalling which causes the kidneys to excessively release water from the body. The definition of diabetes mellitus is only the beginning of knowledge. It is important that you spend time in knowing the classifications of diabetes and the symptoms of diabetes which would be of great benefit. Classifications of diabetes mellitus Definition of diabetes mellitus – What the symptoms reveal? The main diabetes warning signs and symptoms for diabetes types include increased thirst, increased urination and increased hunger. Other common signs to be familiar with include unexpected weight loss or weight gain, extreme unexplained fatigue, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, blurry vision and/or dry itchy skin. To complete Definition of diabetes mellitus the Causes of diabetes types must be identified. The cause or the set of causes of the disease is not all known and understood but there is continual study in this area including the manner of causation of the disease and its condition. This process is referred to as the aetiology of diabetes mellitus or the study of diabetes. Diabetes mellitus type 1 is the inability of the body to produce insulin. This may be as a result of an attack of the beta cells in the pancreas by the body’s own immune system. Another name for this type of diabetes is insulin dependent diabetes – it accounts for nearly ten percent of all cases and more often than not occurs in children and toddlers. At present scientist do not fully understand why this occurs or how it can be prevented. Diabetes mellitus type 2 is sometimes referred to as non insulin dependent diabetes mellitus and is the most common type of diabetes it accounts for over ninety percent of all cases of the disease. This diabetes type tend to affect older people especially the over forties but it in know to strike the African, Caribbean and the Asian population at a much younger age. Gestational diabetes mellitus or diabetes during pregnancy normally affects women during the second trimester of their pregnancy. More specifically the symptoms may appear between the 24th to 28th weeks of pregnancy. It tend to affect between 3-10% of all pregnancies Definition of diabetes mellitus and Diabetes pathophysiology A scientific definition of Pathophysiology by Wikipedia is the study of the changes of normal mechanical, physical, and biochemical functions, either caused by a disease, or resulting from an abnormal syndrome. How Diabetes and pathophysiology relate to the metabolic condition in the body? In order to better understand the causes of diabetes certain fundamental studies are necessary. One thing is certain for sure, the disease revolves around the ability of the body to produce the hormone insulin. The vital hormone produced by the pancreas - in the beta cells. Definition of diabetes mellitus and the Treatments of diabetesThe main Treatments of diabetes mellitus involve the controlling or regulating of the blood glucose (sugar) levels within the blood stream by a combination of food, exercise and/or medication. In type 2 diabetes, blood sugar or glucose levels can often be controlled through proper diet, light exercise, weight loss and/or occasionally with the aid of medications. Type 1 diabetes is a little bit different, exercise and weight loss though beneficial is not sufficient to treat it instead insulin must be administered in the blood stream in the form of injections with syringe or insulin pump on a daily basis. What will happen if diabetes is not caught? Hope this definition of diabetes mellitus gave you some useful tools to understand the basics of diabetes and its complications. Expand your knowledge from the definition of diabetes mellitus and learn more about... Causes of Diabetes Mellitus – How to reduce the risk factors Complications of Diabetes Mellitus and how to prevent it Diabetes Mellitus type 1 – Causes, Symptoms and Treatments Diabetes Mellitus type 2 – Causes, Symptoms and Treatments Insulin resistance - a personal story Signs and Symptoms Diabetes Mellitus – What must you look for? Symptoms of Diabetes Mellitus and How to recognise them Treatments of Diabetes Mellitus –the small change that could make a big difference. Now that you understand the definition of diabetes mellitus complete this quick diabetes symptoms quiz. Click here to go back to top of definition of diabetes mellitus page.
|