Symptoms and Signs:DM is a syndrome characterized by a high level of glucose in the bloodstream due to a defect of insulin secretion, action, or both. It has metabolic, vascular, and neuropathic components. Heredity is considered an important factor, although diet and lifestyle also play and important role. If you have a relative with diabetes, you are 2.5 times more likely to develop the disease than the general population. It is also interesting to note that 85% of diabetics have been obese at one time. African Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are also at greater risk for developing DM, except for Type 1 diabetes which is more prevalent among whites (Bellenir).
Glucose is the body's primary source of energy. Insulin is a hormone produced and secreted by b-cells of the pancreas which helps transport glucose into cells. Insulin also helps to convert glucose into glycogen for long-term storage in the liver. When insulin is deficient, glycogen is not produced and glucose is not absorbed or used by the cells. The glucose accumulates in large quantities in the blood (hyperglycemia) and in the urine (glycosuria). Along with a large amount of glucose being lost in the urine, water and electrolytes are lost as well. Since glucose is unavailable for energy production in the cells, fats and proteins are used instead. Ironically, in order to metabolize fat properly, it must be metabolized with a certain proportion of carbohydrate (glucose) at the same time. If the glucose is not available, as is the case in DM, incomplete metabolism of fat occurs. This causes an accumulation of toxic substances, known as ketone bodies, in the bloodstream leading to a state of ketoacidosis, or ketosis. If left untreated, it can result in coma and death.
DM has been divided into five different "types".
