Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes Mellitus is a disorder of metabolism in which carbohydrates , fats,and proteins cannot be used for energy. Insulin , a hormone secreted by islet cells of the pancreas , is required to facilitate movement of glucose across cell membranes. Once inside the cell, glucose is the primary metabolic fuel . Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas is no longer able to secrete insulin. This condition occurs as a result of an autoimmune process with destruction of pancreatic beta cells and has its onset between ages 1 and 24 years. The autoimmune process is triggered by a combination of genetic predisposition and environmental stimuli such as a virus. The result of the insulin deficiency is hyperglycemia. It represents 5% to 10% of the cases of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes results because of resistance of peripheral tissue receptors to the effects of insulin . This type of diabetes also has a genetic predisposition for insulin resistance in skeletal muscles , fat cells, and liver cells. Type 2 diabetes is characterized by hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia. Over time the beta cells of the pancreas fail to produce sufficient insulin. It's onset is slow and gradual , with many individuals having had the disease 10 year before diagnosis.