Of all metabolic disease, diabetes mellitus – or simple diabetes, as many now know it – is one of the most widely known, widely studied and widely feared diseases. The disease results from an abnormality of insulin in the human body’s system, usually resulting in high blood sugar content. Sufferers of this disease must be diagnosed by a medical professional before seeking any form of treatment. Typical symptoms of diabetes mellitus in its early onset stages include: amplified thirst and hunger, weight loss and frequent urination.

Diabetes mellitus is either caused by genetic mutations, poor diet or other lifestyle choices. Some medications may either cause or trigger diabetes as well. Individuals without a history of diabetes within their family are typically less likely to develop the disease. There are 3 defined, existing types of diabetes mellitus; other cases have been reported that do not fit these types, but they are extremely rare.

• Type 1 Diabetes, which is diagnosed when the body does not produce enough insulin. It is sometimes known as juvenile diabetes.
• Type 2 Diabetes, which is diagnosed when the body develops a resistant to the insulin it produces. Sometimes the body will produce insulin, but not in adequate amounts. This is also recognized as adult-onset diabetes.
• Gestational diabetes, which refers to the phenomena of pregnant women developing high blood sugar levels (diabetes) during pregnancy.

Without proper treatment, diabetes mellitus is incurable and fatal, regardless of the type. Treatments for diabetes are diverse. Some patients may only need to adjust their diet to account for safe blood sugar levels. Other patients may need doctor-prescribed medications like metformin or certain sulfonylureas. A common treatment lies in routine insulin therapy, which may include insulin injections, or other processes for inserting certain insulin amounts or supplements into the body.

If diabetes mellitus remains untreated, individuals will quickly succumb to worse conditions. Cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, vomiting, vision impairment, vision loss, skin rash and other vascular diseases are some effects of diabetes mellitus on an untreated body. Sufferers can even lose toes, feet or other limbs as a result of diabetes-caused issues.

The study of diabetes mellitus is an ongoing struggle for patients and the medical research community. Individuals with diabetes mellitus can seek help from doctors or metabolic disease specialists for a proper course of treatment. The American Diabetes Association is a leading organization on diabetes, providing information, medical aid and research initiatives on the disease.