Lecture 22 - Diabetes Epidemiology

what is the definition of diabetes mellitus

a metabolic disorder characterized by abnormally high levels of glucose in the blood = hyperglycemia

why does hyperglycemia occur

the body cannot produce enough insulin - pancreatic beta cell dysfunction or destruction

the body cannot use insulin properly - cells are unable to take in glucose and use it for energy

what are symptoms of hyperglycemia 

polyuria and polydispia 

headache 

fatigue 

blurred vision 

difficulty concentrating 

weight loss (especially type 1) 

what is associated with chronic hyperglycemia 

complications affecting the eyes, kidneys, nerves, increased risk of cardiovascular disease 

what is prediabetes

glucose levels are elevated but not above the diagnostic threshold for diabetes

• impaired fasting glucose (IFG)

• impaired glucose tolerance (IGT)

what does the presence of impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance indicate

higher risk of developing diabetes

higher risk of microvascular complications

what is type 1 diabetes mellitus

primarily the result of pancreatic beta cell destruction and prone to ketoacidosis 

includes cases due to an autoimmune process

affects up to 10% of people with diabetes 

what is type 2 diabetes mellitus

caused by insulin resistance and/or a deficit in insulin secretion

most common form, affecting about 90% of people with diabetes

usually happens in adults, balance between insulin production and insulin resistance - glucose is elevated either due to insulin resistance or impaired release

what is gestational diabetes

glucose intolerance with onset or first recognition during pregnancy

second trimester oral glucose tolerance test to screen