DIABETES MELLITUS

A chronic condition associated with abnormally high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood.. Absence or insufficient production of insulin (which is produced by the pancreas and lowers blood glucose) causes diabetes. The two types of diabetes are referred to as insulin dependent (type I) and non-insulin dependent (type II). Symptoms of diabetes include increased urine output and appetite as well as fatigue. Diabetes mellitus is diagnosed by blood sugar (glucose) testing. The major complications of diabetes mellitus include dangerously elevated blood sugar, abnormally low blood sugar due to diabetes medications, and disease of the blood vessels which can damage the eye, kidneys, nerves, and heart. Treatment depends on the type of the diabetes.