Diabetes is a syndrome characterized by disordered metabolism and inappropriately high blood sugar (hyperglycaemia) resulting from either low levels of the hormone insulin or from abnormal resistance to insulin's effects coupled with inadequate levels of insulin secretion to compensate.
SYMPTOMS OF HYPERGLYCAEMIA
- Thirst, dry mouth
- Polyuria
- Nocturia
- Tiredness, fatigue
- Recent change in weight
- Blurring of vision
- Pruritus vulvae, balanitis (genital candidiasis)
- Nausea; headache
- Hyperphagia; predilection for sweet foods
- Mood change, irritability, difficulty in concentrating, apathy
COMPARATIVE CLINICAL FEATURES OF TYPE 1 AND TYPE 2 DIABETES
Typical age at onset |
< 40 years |
> 50 years |
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|
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Duration of symptoms
years |
Weeks |
Months to |
Body weight |
Normal or low |
Obese |
Ketonuria |
Yes |
No |
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|
|
Rapid death without treatment with insulin |
Yes |
No |
|
|
|
Autoantibodies |
Yes |
No |
|
|
|
Diabetic complications at diagnosis |
No |
25% |
|
|
|
Family history of diabetes |
Uncommon |
Common |
|
|
|
Other autoimmune disease |
Common |
Uncommon |
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|
|
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