Term: Diabetes / Diabetes Mellitus

Glossary Definition

Last Updated: 2011-01-25

Definition:

A chronic condition in which the pancreas no longer produces enough insulin (Type I Diabetes) or when cells stop responding to the insulin that is produced (Type II Diabetes), so that glucose in the blood cannot be absorbed into the cells of the body. The most common endocrine disorder, Diabetes Mellitus affects many organs and body functions, especially those involved in metabolism, and can cause serious health complications including renal failure, heart disease, stroke, and blindness. Symptoms include frequent urination, fatigue, excessive thirst, and hunger. Also called insulin-dependent diabetes, Type I diabetes begins most commonly in childhood or adolescence and is controlled by regular insulin injections. The more common form of diabetes, Type II, can usually be controlled with diet and oral medication. Another form of diabetes called gestational diabetes can develop during pregnancy and generally resolves after the baby is delivered.

See MedlinePlus® - Health Topics - Diabetes for more clinical information.

Please see the concept titled Diabetes - Measuring Prevalence for more information about the algorithms and methods used to define diabetes in MCHP research.

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