Diabetes mellitus literally means sweet urine.It is a common chronic disease which happens when the hormone insulin produced by the pancreas is missing, lacking or not working well.Insulin unlocks the cell to allow glucose from the bloodstream to enter the body cells for usage or storage.When this mechanism fail, the high amount of glucose in the blood leads to the glucose being spilt over into the urine, causing diabetes.Diabetes mellitus is a nutritional disorder, characterized by an abnormally elevated level of blood glucose and by the excretion of the excess glucose in the urine.It results from an absolute or relative lack of insulin which leads to abnormalities in carbohydrate metabolism as well as in the metabolism of protein and fat.Its incidence is much higher at present than ever in the past.This is especially true in case of the advanced countries of the world due to widespread affluence and generous food supply.The most frequent screening tests are the determination of the fasting blood glucose level and the two-hour postprandial that is after a meal.The normal fasting blood sugar content is 80 to 120 mg. per 100 ml. of blood and this can go up to a level of 180 mg. per 100 ml. of blood two hours after meals.Anything above these norms can be termed diabetic levels.Diabetes occurs in all age groups, from young infants to the elderly.The greatest incidence occurs in middle or older aged persons.The main types of diabetes areType 1 occurs often in children and young adults although it may occur at any age.It is more serious because there is practically no insulin produced due to damaged pancreatic cells and therefore insulin injections is needed for treatment.The cause is not known.It is now believed that Diabetes mellitus is an autoimmune disease that affects the islets cells of the pancreas.Complications are more sudden and life-threatening.Type 2 is more common.It is found in1. Adults over 40 years old,2. Overweight and3. Physically inactive.The insulin produced is not enough or may not be working effectively.Type 2 diabetes can be controlled by proper dieting and exercise.Most Type 2 diabetics will also need oral medication.Diabetes is more likely to occur if the patient has:1. Obesity (body mass index > 23)2. Family history of diabetes3. Hypertension (>140/90 mmHg)4. Previous gestational diabetes5. Coronary heart disease6. Polycystic ovary disease7. Hyper-lipidemia (high blood cholesterol >5.2 mmol or 220mg/dl and tryglycerides >2.30)8. Inadequate regular exercise9. Age above 40 years, more common in males than females10. Smoking habitThe following symptoms are typical of diabetes:1. Frequent thirst even after drinking lots of water2. Passing more frequent urine during day and night3. Weight loss while having good appetite4. Constant tiredness5. Poor healing of skin wounds6. Itchy skin particularly around the genital area7. Constant hunger8. Blurred visionDiagnosis1. Random blood glucose (anytime) is 11.1mmol/l or higher2. Fasting blood glucose (after 8 hours of overnight fast) is 7.0mmol/l or higher.3. Oral 75g Glucose Tolerance Test show presence of diabetes4. Glycosylated Hemoglobin HbA1cComplications:The high blood glucose concentration in diabetes reduces the blood flow to many organs and nerves resulting in much organ damage especially the:1. Kidney (Diabetic Nephropathy),2. Heart (Hypertension and Impotence),3. Brain (Diabetic Coma),4. Eyes (Diabetic Neuropathy) and5. Nerves (Diabetic Retinopathy).Treatment:Oral MedicinesInsulinsHealthy LifestyleTABLE OF CONTENTIntroductionChapter 1 Diabetes MellitusChapter 2 Diagnosis and TreatmentChapter 3 Diabetes RetinopathyChapter 4 Diabetes NeuropathyChapter 5 Diabetes NephropathyChapter 6 Diabetes WoundsChapter 7...