Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by chronic hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both. Major types: type 1 (autoimmune beta-cell destruction, absolute insulin deficiency, usually young), type 2 (insulin resistance with relative deficiency, usually adults, obesity-related), and other specific types (MODY, pancreatic, secondary, gestational). Long-standing hyperglycemia causes microvascular (retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy) and macrovascular (CAD, stroke, PAD) complications.

Common Symptoms

Polyuria; polydipsia; weight loss; polyphagia; fatigue; blurred vision; recurrent infection; asymptomatic in early type 2

Causes and Pathogenesis

Type 1: autoimmune beta-cell destruction. Type 2: insulin resistance + relative beta-cell failure. Other: genetic, pancreatic, endocrine, drug-induced. Chronic hyperglycemia causes endothelial and nerve injury.

Treatment

Glycemic control: lifestyle, oral antihyperglycemics (metformin, SGLT2i, GLP-1RA, DPP4i, sulfonylureas), insulin; BP/lipid control; complication screening

Preventive Measures

Healthy diet; regular exercise; weight management; screening high-risk; annual complication screening (eye/foot/kidney).

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Endocrinology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.