A group of metabolic disorders characterized by persistently elevated blood glucose levels caused by problems with insulin production, insulin action, or both.
Diabetes occurs when the body cannot maintain blood glucose within a healthy range. Over time, persistently elevated blood glucose can damage blood vessels, nerves, kidneys, eyes, and other organs.
The major types include type 1 diabetes, in which the immune system destroys insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells, and type 2 diabetes, in which insulin resistance and progressive impairment of insulin secretion are the main features. Other forms of diabetes also exist, including gestational diabetes and diabetes caused by certain conditions or medicines.
COMMONLY CONFUSED WITH
- High blood sugar (hyperglycemia): an elevated blood glucose level; it can occur temporarily without meaning that a person has diabetes.
- Type 1 diabetes: one specific type of diabetes.
- Type 2 diabetes: another specific type of diabetes.
SEE ALSO
- Blood Sugar
- Insulin
- Hormone
- Metabolism
- Type 1 Diabetes
- Type 2 Diabetes
