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The term diabetes mellitus describes a metabolic disorder of multiple aetiology
characterized by chronic hyperglycaemia with disturbances of carbohydrate, fat
and protein metabolism resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin
action or both.
In its most severe forms, ketoacidosis or a non-ketotic hyperosmolar state may develop and lead to stupor, coma and in absence of effective treatment, death. Assessment of the presence of individual symptoms has not proven to be a useful approach to population screening for diabetes. Also, type 2 diabetes frequently goes undiagnosed for many years because the hyperglycemia develops gradually, and thus the onset, and even the presence, of symptoms often goes unnoticed. |