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This is an accepted version of this page This is the latest accepted revision, reviewed on 25 February 2025. Group of endocrine diseases characterized by high blood sugar levels This article is about the common insulin disorder. For the urine hyper-production disorder, see Diabetes insipidus. For other uses, see Diabetes (disambiguation). Medical condition Diabetes Universal blue circle symbol ...
Type 2 diabetes (T2D), formerly known as adult-onset diabetes, is a form of diabetes mellitus that is characterized by high blood sugar, insulin resistance, and relative lack of insulin. [6] Common symptoms include increased thirst , frequent urination , fatigue and unexplained weight loss . [ 3 ]
In patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus, as plasma glucose levels fall, insulin levels do not decrease – they are simply a passive reflection of the absorption of exogenous insulin. Also, glucagon levels do not increase. Therefore, the first and second defenses against hypoglycemia are already lost in established type 1 diabetes mellitus. [2]
Diabetes mellitus is characterized by persistent hyperglycemia from a variety of causes, and it is the most prominent disease related to the failure of blood sugar regulation. Diabetes mellitus is also characterized by frequent episodes of low sugar, or hypoglycemia. There are different methods of testing and measuring blood sugar levels.
As of 2011 more than 36 genes have been found that contribute to the risk of type 2 diabetes. [2] All of these genes together still only account for 10% of the total genetic component of the disease. [2] There are a number of rare cases of diabetes that arise due to an abnormality in a single gene (known as monogenic forms of diabetes). [1]
Drugs used in diabetes treat types of diabetes mellitus by decreasing glucose levels in the blood. With the exception of insulin , most GLP-1 receptor agonists ( liraglutide , exenatide , and others), and pramlintide , all diabetes medications are administered orally and are thus called oral hypoglycemic agents or oral antihyperglycemic agents.
Gestational diabetes is treated with a diabetic diet, exercise, medication (such as metformin), and sometimes insulin injections. [2] Most people manage blood sugar with diet and exercise. [3] Blood sugar testing among those who are affected is often recommended four times a day. [3] Breastfeeding is recommended as soon as possible after birth. [2]