Diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is defined by the World Health Organization as "a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or alternatively, when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces."

A conservative analysis estimated that in the year 2000, 2.8% of the global population had diabetes mellitus and this was projected to rise to 4.4% in 2030. It is expected that by 2030 at least 366 million people will have diabetes; that is one in every 23 people. Diabetes is the fourth leading cause of global death by disease and at least 50% of all people with diabetes are unaware of their condition. In some countries, this figure may reach 80%.

The disease is characterised by increased levels of glucose (a form of sugar) in the blood.

Regulation of blood glucose

Main article blood glucose regulation

A healthy individual maintains blood glucose levels between 3.5 – 8 mmol/L (63-144 mg/dL) despite wide fluctuations in both glucose intake from meals and glucose utilisation to meet energy demands. When blood glucose levels are outside this range, the body experiences adverse effects.

If blood glucose levels are low (hypoglycaemia), the brain is unable to function correctly. This is because oxidation of glucose provides the energy for brain cell activity. As the brain cannot store glucose, it requires a constant supply of glucose in its blood supply.

A persistently high glucose level (hyperglycaemia) is the main indicator of diabetes mellitus.

Insulin, central to the understanding of diabetes mellitus

Main articles Regulation of blood glucose, Insulin

The persistently elevated blood glucose levels characteristic of diabetes mellitus are usually associated with deficient production or impaired utilisation of the hormone insulin.

Insulin is the key regulator of blood glucose levels. It is released from the beta cells of the pancreas in response to rising levels of glucose in the portal vein following meals and prevents high peaks of blood glucose. Falling glucose levels inhibit insulin release.

Insulin stimulates

• Uptake of glucose by fat and muscle cells,
• Oxidation of glucose by cells to release energy, cellular respiration,
• Storage of glucose as glycogen in liver and muscle cells, glycogenesis,
• Manufacture of triglycerides by fat cells using glucose as a substrate.

Insulin inhibits

• Production of glucose from the intermediaries of fat and protein metabolism, gluconeogenesis.

Other hormones influencing blood glucose levels

The hormone glucagon opposes many of the actions of insulin. In particular, it stimulates the release of glucose stored as glycogen in the liver and if these stores are depleted, promotes gluconeogenesis.

Other hormones influencing blood glucose levels include adrenalin (epinephrine), corticosteroids, growth hormone and thyroid hormones.

Causes of diabetes mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is usefully classified into three primary types. They have different causes but share symptoms and adverse effects related to persistently raised blood glucose.

Diabetes mellitus type 1

Main article Diabetes mellitus type 1

Type 1 diabetes is caused by selective destruction of the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. It is usually initiated by an immune response, triggered by an interaction of genes and environmental factors. Eventually autoantibodies to the islet cells of the pancreas are produced resulting in destruction of the islet cells and consequent loss of insulin production.

There is a prolonged prodromal phase preceding the onset of symptoms, but when they do occur, onset is usually abrupt. Blood sugar rises rapidly with associated thirst, hunger, excessive urination, weight loss and fatigue.

Diabetes mellitus type 1 usually occurs before the age of 30 years with a peak age of onset between 10 and 14 years. Insulin therapy is the main treatment.

Diabetes mellitus type 2

Main article Diabetes mellitus type 2

Type 2 diabetes represents a group of metabolic disorders which include variable degrees of reduced sensitivity of body tissues to the action of insulin (insulin resistance), decreased insulin secretion and increased hepatic glucose production. Onset is usually gradual and it is frequently preceded by a period of impaired glucose tolerance or the metabolic syndrome.

Type 2 diabetes is the most frequently occurring form of diabetes mellitus and the rate of onset increases with increasing age. Although type 2 diabetes is predominantly a disease of older people, it is increasingly occurring in young obese people.

There is a strong genetic component to type 2 diabetes, people who have two parents with type 2 diabetes have an approximately 40% risk of developing it themselves. Risk of developing type 2 diabetes is increased by obesity and physical inactivity.

Gestational diabetes mellitus

Main article Gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes is caused by the development of insulin resistance during late pregnancy related to the metabolic changes that occur. Gestational diabetes usually settles after the baby has been born but women who have experienced gestational diabetes are left with an approximately 50% chance of developing diabetes.