Diabetes mellitus is a long-term metabolic disorder that
affects how your body manages blood sugar (glucose). In this condition, the
body either doesn't produce enough insulin or fails to use it properly, leading
to elevated glucose levels in the blood. Without proper glucose absorption, the
body's cells are deprived of their main energy source and begin breaking down
fats and proteins instead. Over time, this can lead to serious complications
such as dehydration, cardiovascular disease, kidney failure, nerve damage, and
in severe cases, gangrene.
Types of Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes is categorized into two main types, each with
distinct causes, characteristics, and treatment approaches.
Type 1 Diabetes (Insulin-Dependent)
Also known as juvenile diabetes, Type 1 diabetes
typically appears in children, teens, or young adults—usually before the age of
40. It’s an autoimmune disorder, meaning the body’s own immune system
mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the
pancreas.
In many cases, a viral infection may trigger this autoimmune
response. With beta cells damaged, the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin,
and glucose builds up in the blood instead of entering cells. People with Type
1 diabetes require lifelong insulin therapy, usually delivered via
injections.
Genetic Insight:
The gene responsible for insulin production is found on chromosome
11. Variations and polymorphisms in this region are linked to a higher risk
of developing Type 1 diabetes. It’s considered a polygenic disorder,
meaning multiple genes and environmental factors play a role in its
development.
Type 2 Diabetes (Non-Insulin Dependent)
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form, accounting
for 90% of all diabetes cases. Unlike Type 1, people with this type
produce insulin, but their body cells don’t respond to it effectively—a
condition known as insulin resistance.
Type 2 diabetes usually appears after the age of 40,
though it can develop earlier in people with risk factors like obesity,
sedentary lifestyle, and family history. It is typically managed through diet,
exercise, and weight control. A high-fiber, low-fat, and low-sodium diet
is often recommended.
Genetic Insight:
There is a strong hereditary link in Type 2 diabetes. Some
individuals carry genes that impair insulin receptor function or affect glucose
metabolism. A subtype called Maturity-Onset Diabetes of the Young (MODY)
appears before age 25 and is often passed down as an autosomal dominant
trait. In many MODY cases, a mutation in the glucokinase gene—which
normally converts glucose to glucose-6-phosphate in the pancreas—is
responsible. Mutations in other genes that control pancreatic development and insulin
regulation can also contribute to early-onset forms of the disease.
Key Takeaways for Readers
- Diabetes
mellitus disrupts how the body uses
glucose, leading to energy deficits in cells and long-term health risks.
- Type
1 diabetes is autoimmune, often starting
early in life and requiring daily insulin support.
- Type
2 diabetes is linked to insulin resistance
and lifestyle factors, commonly appearing in adults but increasingly seen
in younger individuals.
- Genetics
play a major role in both types, influencing how
the disease starts and progresses.
- Managing
Type 2 diabetes early through diet, exercise, and weight loss can
significantly reduce risks and improve quality of life.
- New
research continues to reveal how specific genes contribute to diabetes,
opening doors for personalized treatment and early detection.
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