Diabetes Mellitus: A Comprehensive Guide to Symptoms, Types, and Prevention
Diabetes Mellitus: A Comprehensive Guide to Symptoms, Types, and Prevention Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder that has become a global health epidemic. Often referred to simply as "diabetes," it occurs when the body cannot effectively regulate the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood. If left unmanaged, high blood glucose levels can lead to serious long-term damage to the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves. Understanding the mechanics of diabetes is the first step toward effective management and prevention. What Happens in Diabetes Mellitus? To function correctly, our bodies break down carbohydrates from food into glucose, which enters the bloodstream. A hormone called insulin , produced by the pancreas, acts as a "key" that allows glucose to enter the cells to be used for energy. In people with diabetes: The pancreas produces little to no insulin. The body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin. As a r...