This is the most common endocrine disorder and usually occurs when there is deficiency or absence of insulin or rarely impairment of insulin activity. Varying degrees of disruption of carbohydrate and fat metabolism occur.
TYPE 1 DIABETES MELLITUS.
Previously known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. There is severe deficiency or absence of insulin secretion due to destruction of B-islets cells of the pancreas. Treatment with injections of insulin is required. Genetic predisposition and environmental factors,including viral infections are some of the factors.
TYPE II DIABETES MELLITUS.
Also called non-insulin-dependant diabetes mellitus. The causes are multifactorial and predisposing factors include:
A)obesity.
B)sedentary lifestyle.
C)increasing age.
D)genetic factors
It often goes undetected until signs are found on routine investigation or a complication occurs. Insulin secretion may be below or above normal. Deficiency of glucose inside body cells occurs despite hyperglycaemia and a high insulin level. This may be due to insulin resistance ie changes in cell membranes that block the insulin assisted movement of glucose into cells. Treatment involves diet and /or drugs.
