What is Diabetes mellitus characterized by?

Answer 1

There are two general categories of Diabetes Mellitus

Type I typically begins suddenly in childhood, often six weeks after a viral illness. The child is extraordinarily hungry and thirsty, but rapidly loses weight and produces large amounts of urine. The immune system does not recognize cells correctly. The immune system destroys the insulin making cells in the pancreas. Insulin works like a key, which allows glucose to enter the cell for energy. Without insulin, glucose (the sugar in your blood) builds up in the bloodstream, while the cells are starving for energy. The body tries to burn fat and protein for energy, that causes the pH of your body to become very acidic, which makes the individual more sick. Medical care for people with this disease has improved greatly; this care always involves insulin, usually given by several shots during the day. Some people wear a pump that administers small dose thru a little tube into the abdomen.

Type II Diabetes Mellitus usually begins in adulthood, usually very gradually. People may have vision loss, foot ulcers, kidney disease, or other problems before they are diagnosed. Sometimes people present to the doctor with increased thirst and urination (waking up more than twice during the night to pee). There is a problem with not enough insulin being produced or somehow the cells are resistant to the effect of insulin. Often people are obese. Some scientists think an excess of fat cells interfere with insulin working. These people often respond to regular exercise and a pill, but will eventually need more than one pill, and may need insulin.