What is diabetes mellitus?
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition where your body has trouble using blood glucose (sugar) for energy. As a result, blood sugar levels rise and stay elevated.
When blood sugar remains high for a long time, it can cause serious damage to many organs in your body, including your eyes Show Full Answer
What is diabetes mellitus?
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition where your body has trouble using blood glucose (sugar) for energy. As a result, blood sugar levels rise and stay elevated.
When blood sugar remains high for a long time, it can cause serious damage to many organs in your body, including your eyes, nerves, kidneys, and heart.
The name "mellitus" comes from Latin meaning "honey" - it was named in the Middle Ages when doctors noticed that the urine of people with this condition tasted sweet due to excess sugar.
Types of diabetes mellitus:
- Type 1 diabetes - Your body doesn't produce enough insulin
- Type 2 diabetes - Your body doesn't respond well to insulin (insulin resistance) and doesn't make enough insulin in the pancreas
- Gestational diabetes - Develops during pregnancy
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form. Managing blood sugar levels through lifestyle changes, medication, and regular monitoring is essential to prevent complications.
March 3