Disease analysis

Disease Analysis: Type 1 Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a group of chronic endocrine disorders characterized by hyperglycemia due to insufficient levels or action of insulin, a hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar. Symptoms include excessive excretion of urine (polyuria), thirst (polydipsia), constant hunger, weight loss, vision changes, and fatigue. In the long term, the disease can also cause disabling and lifethreatening complications such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), nerve damage (neuropathy, which along with peripheral vascular disease can lead to amputations), kidney damage (nephropathy), and eye disease (leading to retinopathy, loss of vision, and potentially blindness). If untreated, life-threatening conditions can develop, including diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), particularly in type 1 diabetes, and the hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state in type 2 diabetes.