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Diabetes mellitus (DM) or simply diabetes, is a chronic health condition in which the body either
fails to produce sufficient amount of insulin or responds abnormally to insulin. Speaking about
the classification of diabetes mellitus, it is of three types, namely, Type 1 diabetes, Type 2
diabetes and Gestational diabetes. The ultimate outcome for all three types of diabetes is high
blood glucose level or hyperglycemia. The pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus is very complex,
as the disease is characterized by different etiologies but share similar signs, symptoms and
complications.


 


 
  



The pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus (all types) is related to the hormone insulin, which is
secreted by the beta cells of the pancreas. This hormone is responsible for maintaining glucose
level in the blood. It allows the body cells to use glucose as a main energy source. However, in a
diabetic person, due to abnormal insulin metabolism, the body cells and tissues do not make use
of glucose from the blood, resulting in an elevated level of blood glucose or hyperglycemia.
Over a period of time, high glucose level in the bloodstream can lead to severe complications,
such as eye disorders, cardiovascular diseases, kidney damage and nerve problems.

In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas cannot synthesize enough amount of insulin hormone as
required by the body. The pathophysiology of Type 1 diabetes mellitus suggests that it is an
autoimmune disease, in which the body's own immune system generates secretion of substances
that attack the beta cells of the pancreas. Consequently, the pancreas secretes little or no insulin.
Type 1 diabetes is more common among children and young adults (around 20 years). Since it is
common among young individuals and insulin hormone is used for treatment, Type 1 diabetes is
also referred to as Insulin Dependent Dabetes Mellitus (IDDM) or Juvenile Diabetes.

In case of Type 2 diabetes mellitus, there is normal production of insulin hormone but the body
cells are resistant to insulin. Since the body cells and tissues are non responsive to insulin,
glucose remains in the bloodstream. It is commonly manifested by middle-aged adults (above 40
years). As insulin is not necessary for treatment of Type 2 diabetes, it is known as Non-insulin
Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIIDM) or Adult Onset Diabetes.

Gestational diabetes, on the other hand, occurs among pregnant women. It is caused due to
fluctuations of the hormonal level during pregnancy. Usually, the blood glucose level returns to
normal after the baby is born.

As already mentioned above, the symptoms and effects of all the three forms of diabetes are
similar. The noticeable manifested symptoms include increased thirst (polydipsia), increased
urination (polyuria), increased appetite (polyphagia), excessive fatigue, unexplained weight loss
and body irritation. Regarding the definition of diabetes mellitus, it is often described as a fasting
blood glucose level of 126 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or more. As per statistics, Type 2
diabetes is the most commonly occurring type, in comparison to the other two forms of diabetes
mellitus.
Èarly and correct detection of the type of diabetes is necessary to prevent severe health effects.
After diagnosis, a physician may prescribe appropriate medication for treatment of diabetes,
which could include insulin injections or oral insulin medicines, depending upon the type of
diabetes mellitus. In addition, healthy lifestyle modifications, especially diet and exercise are
recommended for the effective management of symptoms and long-term effects. Since diabetes
is a global health issue, studies regarding the pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus are currently
in progress in order to minimize its associated health effects.