Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Key Facts about Diabetes Mellitus
1. Diabetes mellitus is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by high
blood glucose levels that result from impairments in insulin action and/
or secretion. In 2000, at least 171 million people worldwide were suf ering
from diabetes, or 2.8% of the population. It is estimated that by the year
2030, these numbers will double.
2. Type 1 diabetes usually occurs in children and young adults. In type 1, the
pancreas makes little or no insulin. About 5-10% of all diabetes cases are
type 1.
3. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. It is caused by
impaired insulin action and/or insulin secretion.
4. Gestational diabetes is dei ned as glucose intolerance with onset or i rst
recognition during pregnancy and places both the mother and baby at
increased risk for certain health problems later in life, including type 2
diabetes.
5. Type 2 diabetes and CVD may share the pathophysiological mechanisms
underlying the metabolic syndrome/insulin resistance syndrome.
6. Diabetic angiopathy is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetes
mellitus. Cardiovascular complications are the leading cause of death in
diabetes.
Definition of Terms
Cross-sectional study:
A study done at one time, not over the course of time.
Diabetes risk factors:
Factors contributing to a person's risk of developing diabetes.
Endothelial dysfunction:
h e loss of proper endothelial function, which is very common in
insulin resistance syndrome, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, or cardiovascular disease.
Metabolic syndrome/insulin resistance syndrome:
A cluster of cardiovascular risk factors
including abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, high blood glucose, high triglycerides
and low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Insulin resistance: A
condition in which the body is unable to use available insulin ef ectively.
Prospective study:
A study in which the subjects are identii ed and then followed forward
in time.
Systemic inl ammation:
h e body's overall inl ammatory response to infection, injury, or
metabolic disorders.
References
Blann, A.D. and G.Y. Lip. 1998. Endothelial integrity, soluble adhesion molecules and
platelet markers in type 1 diabetes mellitus. Diabet. Med. 15: 634-642.
Buchanan, T.A. and A.H. Xiang. 2005. Gestational diabetes mellitus. J. Clin. Invest. 115:
485-491.
