DIABETES MELLITUS is a chronic condition that affects people of all age groups. It should not be confused with diabetes insipidus. Diabetes insipidus is caused by deficiency of ADH (antidiuretic hormone known as vasopressin), it is usally treated with DDAVP, not insulin.
Type 1 diabetes, which was once called juvenile diabetes, normally affects children and the young. Type 2 usually affects older people and accounts for the majority of diabetes.
The pancreas is an organ that contains the Islets of Langerhans where insulin is secreted.
There are many complications that might result from diabetes mellitus: - Hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia may result, PVD (peripheral vascular disease) may affect circulation, DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis), poor wound healing because of high blood sugar, visual deficits like diabetic retinopathy, gangrene, gestational diabetes. It may also effect the kidneys (nephropathy). Hemodialysis may become necessary. Stroke, high blood pressure and even a cardiac event, may further complicate the course of diabetes. Diabetetic patients need teaching about the condition and how to manage it correctly.
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