INTRODUCTION TO DIABETES
Diabetes or diabetes mellitus is a condition in which the levels of glucose in the blood are higher than the normal. It is a metabolic disorder which is characterized by high blood sugar levels associated with deficiencies in insulin secretion and/or insulin action.
Diabetes comes from the Greek word diabainei, meaning ‘to siphon’ or ‘pass through’ which refers to a flow of liquid. This condition was named by a Greek physician Aretaeus the Cappadocian, to describe one of the major symptoms of diabetes – increased and frequent urination. The word mellitus was added later (and is from the Latin word mel for honey) when it was noted that those with diabetes passed urine with a sweet taste.
| Type 1 diabetes | Type 2 diabetes |
|---|---|
| When the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin producing beta cells in the pancreas due to which no insulin is produced. | Results from either insulin resistance, inadequate insulin production or combination of both |
| Typically appears in childhood or adolescence | Typically appears in adulthood |
| No insulin is produced by the pancreas | Some insulin is still produced by the pancreas. |
| Insulin dependent. | Can be managed by oral medicines. |
| Not linked to excessive body weight. | Often linked to excessive body weight. |
| Typically, there is no family history of type 1 diabetes. | Typically, there is a history of type 2 diabetes in other family members. |