Definition
- Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both
- Can occur at any age and the earlier the onset, the more serious the long-term damage, dysfunction, and failure of various organs due to the chronic hyperglycemia
Signs and Symptoms
Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
- Hyperglycemia, glycosuria, ketonemia and ketonuria with the following for several weeks:
- Polyuria
- Polydipsia
- Polyphagia
- Weight loss
- May also present as severe dehydration, shock and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
- Overweight or obese
- Glycosuria without ketonuria
- Some may present with ketonuria
- Absent or mild polyuria
- May present with ketoacidosis associated with stress, infection or other illness
- Acanthosis nigricans
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)