What is Diabetes Mellitus (DM)?
DM is an endocrine disorder which is characterized by hyperglycemia (excess glucose in the blood). It is caused by a disruption of the production of the hormone insulin which acts to balance blood glucose levels in the blood. Type 1 versus Type 2 Type 1 diabetes is an insulin dependent form which is generally diagnosed before the age of 20 (aka juvenile onset DM). This form is caused by a deficiency in insulin production and secretion from the pancreas. People who suffer from Type I diabetes require daily insulin supplements to maintain life. Type 2 is caused by an obesity-related resistance by cells to receive insulin and is generally onset in adulthood. Thus this form can be controlled via diet and exercise. Special cases of Type II DM require these individuals to supplement with insulin as well. Although this disease type is traditionally recognized as adult onset, the growing epidemic of childhood obesity demonstrates trends of early type 2 onset. Signs and Symptoms – Excessive uri