Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a severe metabolic disease that is characterized by persistent high
blood sugar levels (
hyperglycemia) and numerous accompanying symptoms.
According to the
American Diabetes Association Diabetes mellitus is classified as follows:
- 1: Insulin deficiency
- 1A: Insulin deficieny (autoimmune origin)
- 1B: Insulin deficiency (idiopathic)
- 2: Hybrid of secretory dysfunction and Insulin resistance
- DM 2 with leading secretory dysfunction
- DM 2 with leading insulin resistance
- 3: Secondary and genetical forms of DM
- 3A: Genetical disorder of pancreatic Beta cells
- 3B: Genetically mediated Insulin resistance
- 3C: Pancreoprivic Diabetes mellitus
- 3D: Secondary endocrine Diabetes mellitus
- 3E: DM mediated by chemical agents or drugs
- 3F: DM mediated by infectious agents
- 3G: Immunologically caused DM
- 3H: Other genetic syndromes
- 4: Gestational DM
Prognosis of Diabetes mellitus depends from an optimal metabolic control, as shown by large clinical studies like
DCCC. Patients under continued
hyperglycemic conditions are prone to high risk for developing complications like
diabetic angiopathy,
neuropathy,
retinopathy or
nephropathy. ON the other hand,
hypoglycemia bears high acute threats.
Therapy of Diabetes mellitus is different for different diabetes types. DM with insulin deficiency requires substitution of
insulin. Other therapeutic options are modulation of insulin resistance and lifestyle modifying interventions.
