DIABETES MELLITUS
DEFINITION Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder of carbohydrates, protein, fat, water and electrolytes characterized by high blood glucose level (hyperglycemia), Polyuria, polydipsia and polyphagia resulting from defects in insulin secretion or because the body cells do not respond to the insulin that is secreted or both. INCIDENCE OF DIABETES MELLITUS The incidence is classified according to the types. In type 1 diabetes mellitus, approximately 50-60% of patients get the condition before 20years of age. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is much common than type 1, accounting for 80-90% of all cases. It occurs after the age of 40years with an insidious onset. It is common in women over 65years and men 60years. TYPES OF DIABETES MELLITUS On the basis of aetiology two main categories of diabetes are recognized, namely primary (idiopathic) diabetes and secondary diabetes. PRIMARY (IDIOPATHIC) DIABETES MELLITUS The great majority of cases seen belong to this group which consist of two ma...