Evaluation of Methods for Diagnosing Diabetes Mellitus Due to Hyperglycemia or Insulin Secretion

Abstract

Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by hyperglycemia due to impaired insulin secretion, insulin function, or both. Chronic hyperglycemia in diabetes is associated with long-term damage, dysfunction, and failure of various organs, especially the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart, and blood vessels. Numerous pathogenic processes are involved in the development of diabetes. These processes range from autoimmune degradation of pancreatic beta cells and subsequent insulin deficiency to abnormalities that lead to insulin resistance. The basis of problems in the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in diabetes is a defect in the function of insulin in the target tissues. Insulin dysfunction results from insufficient insulin secretion or failure to respond to insulin at one or more points in complex hormonal pathways. Impaired insulin secretion and problems with insulin function often occur simultaneously in a patient, and it is not clear which abnormality is the main cause of hyperglycemia. Symptoms of severe hyperglycemia include hyperemia, binge drinking, weight loss, and sometimes overeating and blurred vision. Growth disorders and susceptibility to certain infections may also be present with chronic hyperglycemia. The acute and life- threatening consequences of uncontrolled diabetes are hyperglycemia with ketoacidosis or non- ketonic hyperosmolar syndrome. In this article, we diagnose and classify diabetes mellitus.