Osteomyelitis

  From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Osteomyelitis is an infection of bone or bone marrow, usually caused by pyogenic
bacteria or mycobacteria. It can be usefully subclassified on the basis of the
causative organism, the route, duration and anatomic location of the infection.

Contents:
1 Presentation
2 Etiology
3 Treatment
4 Causes
5 See also
6 References

Presentation:

Generally microorganisms may be disseminated to bone hematogenously (i.e., via
the blood stream), spread contiguously to bone from local areas of infection, such
as cellulitis, or be introduced by penetrating trauma including iatrogenic causes
such as joint replacements, internal fixation of fractures or root-canalled teeth.
Leukocytes then enter the infected area, and in their attempt to engulf the
infectious organisms, release enzymes that lyse bone. Pus spreads into the bone's
blood vessels, impairing the flow, and areas of devitalized infected bone, known
as sequestra, form the basis of a chronic infection. Often, the body will try to
create new bone around the area of necrosis. The resulting new bone is often
called an involucrum. On histologic examination, these areas of necrotic bone are
the basis for distinguishing between acute osteomyelitis and chronic
osteomyelitis. Osteomyelitis is an infective process which encompasses all of the
bone (osseous) components, including the bone marrow. When it is chronic it can
lead to bone sclerosis and deformity. Because of the particulars of their blood
supply, the tibia, the femur, the humerus, the vertebra, the maxilla and the
mandibular bodies are especially susceptible to osteomyelitis. [1]


Etiology:

Age group Most common organisms
Newborns (younger than 4 mo) S aureus, Enterobacter species, and group A and B
Streptococcus species
Children (aged 4 mo to 4 y) S aureus, group A Streptococcus species, Haemophilus
influenzae, and Enterobacter species
Children, adolescents (aged 4 y to adult) S aureus (80%), group A Streptococcus
species, H influenzae, and Enterobacter species
Adult S aureus and occasionally Enterobacter or Streptococcus species

In children, the long bones are usually affected. In adults, the vertebrae and the
pelvis are most commonly affected.

Acute osteomyelitis almost invariably occurs in children. When adults are affected,
it may be because of compromised host resistance due to debilitation,
intravenous drug abuse, infectious root-canalled teeth, other disease or drugs (e.
g. immunosuppressive therapy).


Treatment:

Osteomyelitis often requires prolonged antibiotic therapy. IV antibiotics are
generally used to combat the infection, with a course lasting a matter of weeks or
months. A PICC line or central venous catheter is often placed for this purpose.
Osteomyelitis also may require surgical debridement. Severe cases may lead to
the loss of a limb. Initial first line antibiotic choice is determined by the patient's
history and regional differences in common infective organisms.

American artist Thomas Eakins in 1875 depicted a surgical procedure for
osteomyelitis in a famous oil painting titled "The Gross Clinic," now part of
Jefferson Medical College.

Prior to the widespread availability and use of antibiotics, blow fly larvae were
sometimes deliberately introduced to the wounds to feed on the infected material,
effectively scouring clean. [2]


Causes:

Staphylococcus aureus is the organism most commonly isolated from all forms of
osteomyelitis.

Hematogenously seeded osteomyelitis is seen most frequently in children, and
nearly 90% of cases are caused by Staphylococcus aureus. In infants, S. aureus,
Group B streptococci and Escherichia coli are commonly isolated; in children from
1 to 16 years of age, S. aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, and Haemophilus
influenzae are common. In some subpopulations, including intravenous drug
users and splenectomized patients, Gram negative bacteria, including enteric
bacilli, are significant pathogens.[3]

The most common form of the disease in adults is caused by injury exposing the
bone to local infection. Staphylococcus aureus is again the most common
organism seen in osteomyelitis seeded from areas of contiguous infection, but
anaerobes and Gram negative organisms, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, E.
coli, and Serratia marcescens, are also common, and mixed infections are the rule
rather than the exception.[3]

Systemic mycotic (fungal) infections may also cause osteomyelitis. The two most
common are Blastomyces dermatitidis and Coccidioides immitis.

In osteomyelitis involving the vertebral bodies, about half the cases are due to
Staphylococcus aureus, and the other half are due to tuberculosis (spread
hematogenously from the lungs). Tubercular osteomyelitis of the spine was so
common before the initiation of effective antitubercular therapy that it acquired a
special name, Pott's disease, by which it is sometimes still known.


See also:

Brodie abscess...

References:

^ King MD, Randall W.; David Johnson, MD, FACEP (2006-07-13). Osteomyelitis.
eMedicine. WebMD. Retrieved on 2007-11-11.
^ Baer M.D., William S. (1931). "The Treatment of Chronic Osteomyelitis with the
Maggot (Larva of the Blow Fly)". Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery 13: 438-475.
Retrieved on 2007-11-12. 
^ a b Carek PJ, Dickerson LM, Sack JL. "Diagnosis and management of
osteomyelitis." Am Fam Physician. 2001 Jun 15;63(12):2413-20.
5-54b. at Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy Professional Edition
00298 at CHORUS
[hide]v • d • eDiseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M,
710-739)
Arthropathies Arthritis (Septic arthritis, Reactive arthritis, Rheumatoid arthritis,
Psoriatic arthritis, Felty's syndrome, Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, Still's disease) -
crystal (Gout, Chondrocalcinosis) - Osteoarthritis (Heberden's node, Bouchard's
nodes)
acquired deformities of fingers and toes (Boutonniere deformity, Bunion, Hallux
rigidus, Hallux varus, Hammer toe) - other acquired deformities of limbs (Valgus
deformity, Varus deformity, Wrist drop, Foot drop, Flat feet, Club foot, Unequal leg
length, Winged scapula)

patella (Luxating patella, Chondromalacia patellae)

Protrusio acetabuli - Hemarthrosis - Arthralgia - Osteophyte
Systemic connective
tissue disorders Polyarteritis nodosa - Churg-Strauss syndrome - Kawasaki
disease - Hypersensitivity vasculitis - Goodpasture's syndrome - Wegener's
granulomatosis - Arteritis (Takayasu's arteritis, Temporal arteritis) - Microscopic
polyangiitis - Systemic lupus erythematosus (Drug-induced) - Dermatomyositis
(Juvenile dermatomyositis) - Polymyositis - Scleroderma - Sjögren's syndrome -
Behçet's disease - Polymyalgia rheumatica - Eosinophilic fasciitis - Hypermobility
Dorsopathies Kyphosis - Lordosis - Scoliosis - Scheuermann's disease -
Spondylolysis - Torticollis - Spondylolisthesis - Spondylopathies (Ankylosing
spondylitis, Spondylosis, Spinal stenosis) - Schmorl's nodes - Degenerative disc
disease - Coccydynia - Back pain (Radiculopathy, Neck pain, Sciatica, Low back
pain)
Soft tissue disorders muscle: Myositis - Myositis ossificans (Fibrodysplasia
ossificans progressiva)
synovium and tendon: Synovitis/Tenosynovitis (Calcific tendinitis, Stenosing
tenosynovitis, Trigger finger, DeQuervain's syndrome) - Irritable hip - Ganglion cyst

bursa: bursitis (Olecranon, Prepatellar, Trochanteric) - Baker's cyst

fibroblastic disorders (Dupuytren's contracture, Plantar fasciitis, Nodular fasciitis,
Necrotizing fasciitis, Fasciitis, Fibromatosis)

shoulder lesions: Adhesive capsulitis - Rotator cuff tear - Subacromial bursitis

enthesis: enthesopathies (Iliotibial band syndrome, Achilles tendinitis, Patellar
tendinitis, Golfer's elbow, Tennis elbow, Metatarsalgia, Bone spur, Tendinitis)

other, NEC: Muscle weakness - Rheumatism - Myalgia - Neuralgia - Neuritis -
Panniculitis - Fibromyalgia
Osteopathies disorders of bone density and structure: Osteoporosis -
Osteomalacia - continuity of bone (Pseudarthrosis, Stress fracture) - Monostotic
fibrous dysplasia - Skeletal fluorosis - Aneurysmal bone cyst - Hyperostosis -
Osteosclerosis
Osteomyelitis - Avascular necrosis - Paget's disease of bone - Algoneurodystrophy
- Osteolysis - Infantile cortical hyperostosis
Chondropathies Juvenile osteochondrosis (Legg-Calvé-Perthes syndrome,
Osgood-Schlatter disease, Köhler disease, Sever's disease) - Osteochondritis -
Tietze's syndrome
See also congenital conditions (Q65-Q79, 754-756)

============================================
           
Diabetes mellitus

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

For the disease characterized by excretion of large amounts of very dilute urine,
see diabetes insipidus. For diabetes mellitus in pets, see diabetes in cats and
dogs.

Diabetes mellitus (IPA: /ˌdaɪəˈbiːtiːz/ or /ˌdaɪəˈbiːtəs/, /məˈlaɪtəs/ or /ˈmɛlətəs/), often
simply diabetes (Greek: διαβήτης), 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.[2] The
characteristic symptoms are excessive urine production (polyuria), excessive
thirst and increased fluid intake (polydipsia), and blurred vision. These symptoms
are likely to be absent if the blood sugar is only mildly elevated.

The World Health Organization recognizes three main forms of diabetes mellitus:
type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes (occurring during pregnancy),[3] which
have different causes and population distributions. While, ultimately, all forms are
due to the beta cells of the pancreas being unable to produce sufficient insulin to
prevent hyperglycemia, the causes are different.[4] Type 1 diabetes is usually due
to autoimmune destruction of the pancreatic beta cells. Type 2 diabetes is
characterized by insulin resistance in target tissues. This causes a need for
abnormally high amounts of insulin and diabetes develops when the beta cells
cannot meet this demand. Gestational diabetes is similar to type 2 diabetes in that
it involves insulin resistance; the hormones of pregnancy can cause insulin
resistance in women genetically predisposed to developing this condition.

Gestational diabetes typically resolves with delivery of the child, however types 1
and 2 diabetes are chronic conditions.[2] All types have been treatable since
insulin became medically available in 1921. Type 1 diabetes, in which insulin is not
secreted by the pancreas, is directly treatable only with injected or inhaled insulin,
although dietary and other lifestyle adjustments are part of management. Type 2
may be managed with a combination of dietary treatment, tablets and injections
and, frequently, insulin supplementation. While insulin was originally produced
from natural sources such as porcine pancreas, most insulin used today is
produced through genetic engineering, either as a direct copy of human insulin,
or human insulin with modified molecules that provide different onset and
duration of action. Insulin can also be delivered continuously by a specialized
pump which subcutaneously provides insulin through a changeable catheter.

Diabetes can cause many complications. Acute complications (hypoglycemia,
ketoacidosis or nonketotic hyperosmolar coma) may occur if the disease is not
adequately controlled. Serious long-term complications include cardiovascular
disease (doubled risk), chronic renal failure, retinal damage (which can lead to
blindness), nerve damage (of several kinds), and microvascular damage, which
may cause impotence and poor healing. Poor healing of wounds, particularly of the
feet, can lead to gangrene, which may require amputation. Adequate treatment of
diabetes, as well as increased emphasis on blood pressure control and lifestyle
factors (such as not smoking and keeping a healthy body weight), may improve the
risk profile of most aforementioned complications. In the developed world,
diabetes is the most significant cause of adult blindness in the non-elderly, the
leading cause of non-traumatic amputation in adults, and diabetic nephropathy is
the main illness requiring renal dialysis in the United States.[5]

Diabetes mellitus:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Types of Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus type 1
Diabetes mellitus type 2
Gestational diabetes
Pre-diabetes:
Impaired fasting glycaemia
Impaired glucose tolerance

Disease Management
Diabetes management:
•Diabetic diet
•Anti-diabetic drugs
•Conventional insulinotherapy
•Intensive insulinotherapy
Other Concerns
Cardiovascular disease
Diabetic comas:
•Diabetic hypoglycemia
•Diabetic ketoacidosis
•Nonketotic hyperosmolar

Diabetic myonecrosis
Diabetic nephropathy
Diabetic neuropathy
Diabetic retinopathy

Diabetes and pregnancy

Blood tests
Blood sugar
Fructosamine
Glucose tolerance test
Glycosylated hemoglobin
Contents [hide]
1 Classification
1.1 Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus
1.2 Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
1.3 Gestational diabetes
1.4 Other types
2 Signs and symptoms
3 Genetics
4 Pathophysiology
5 Diagnosis
6 Screening
7 Prevention
8 Treatment and management
9 Cure
9.1 Cures for type 1 diabetes
9.2 Cures for type 2 diabetes
10 Prognosis
10.1 Acute complications
10.2 Chronic complications
11 Epidemiology
12 History
13 Social issues
14 See also
15 References
16 External links


Classification:

The term diabetes, without qualification, usually refers to diabetes mellitus, which
is associated with excessive sweet urine (known as "glycosuria") but there are
several rarer conditions also named diabetes. The most common of these is
diabetes insipidus in which the urine is not sweet (insipidus meaning "without
taste" in Latin); it can be caused by either kidney (nephrogenic DI) or pituitary
gland (central DI) damage.

The principal two idiopathic forms of diabetes mellitus are known as types 1 and 2.
The term "type 1 diabetes" has universally replaced several former terms,
including childhood-onset diabetes, juvenile diabetes, and insulin-dependent
diabetes (IDDM). Likewise, the term "type 2 diabetes" has replaced several former
terms, including adult-onset diabetes, obesity-related diabetes, and non-insulin-
dependent diabetes (NIDDM). Beyond these two types, there is no agreed-upon
standard nomenclature. Various sources have defined "type 3 diabetes" as,
among others, gestational diabetes,[6] insulin-resistant type 1 diabetes (or
"double diabetes"), type 2 diabetes which has progressed to require injected
insulin, and latent autoimmune diabetes of adults (or LADA or "type 1.5" diabetes.
[7]) There is also maturity onset diabetes of the young (MODY) which is a group of
several single gene disorders with strong family histories that present as type 2
diabetes before 30 years of age.


Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus:


Type 1 diabetes mellitus is characterized by loss of the insulin-producing beta
cells of the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas, leading to a deficiency of insulin.
The main cause of this beta cell loss is a T-cell mediated autoimmune attack.[4]
There is no known preventative measure that can be taken against type 1
diabetes, which comprises up to 10% of diabetes mellitus cases in North America
and Europe (though this varies by geographical location). Most affected people
are otherwise healthy and of a healthy weight when onset occurs. Sensitivity and
responsiveness to insulin are usually normal, especially in the early stages. Type 1
diabetes can affect children or adults but was traditionally termed "juvenile
diabetes" because it represents a majority of cases of diabetes affecting children.

The principal treatment of type 1 diabetes, even from the earliest stages, is
replacement of insulin combined with careful monitoring of blood glucose levels
using blood testing monitors. Without insulin, diabetic ketoacidosis can develop
and may result in coma or death. Emphasis is also placed on lifestyle adjustments
(diet and exercise) though these can do absolutely nothing to reverse the loss.
Apart from the common subcutaneous injections, it is also possible to deliver
insulin by a pump, which allows continuous infusion of insulin 24 hours a day at
preset levels, and the ability to program doses (a bolus) of insulin as needed at
meal times. An inhaled form of insulin, Exubera, was approved by the FDA in
January 2006, although Pfizer discontinued Exubera in October 2007. [8]

Type 1 treatment must be continued indefinitely. Treatment does not significantly
impair normal activities, if sufficient patient training, awareness, appropriate care,
discipline in testing and dosing of insulin is taken. However, treatment is
burdensome for patients, chronic and insulin is replaced in a non-physiological
manner, and is therefore far from ideal. The average glucose level for the type 1
patient should be as close to normal (80–120 mg/dl, 4–6 mmol/l) as is safely
possible. Some physicians suggest up to 140–150 mg/dl (7-7.5 mmol/l) for those
having trouble with lower values, such as frequent hypoglycemic events. Values
above 200 mg/dl (10 mmol/l) is sometimes accompanied by discomfort and frequent
urination leading to dehydration. Values above 300 mg/dl (15 mmol/l) usually
require treatment and may lead to ketoacidosis, although is not immediately life-
threatening. However, low levels of blood glucose, called hypoglycemia, may lead
to seizures or episodes of unconsciousness and absolutely must be treated
immediately.


Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus:

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is due to insulin resistance or reduced insulin sensitivity,
combined with reduced insulin secretion. The defective responsiveness of body
tissues to insulin almost certainly involves the insulin receptor in cell membranes.
In the early stage the predominant abnormality is reduced insulin sensitivity,
characterized by elevated levels of insulin in the blood. At this stage
hyperglycemia can be reversed by a variety of measures and medications that
improve insulin sensitivity or reduce glucose production by the liver. As the
disease progresses the impairment of insulin secretion worsens, and therapeutic
replacement of insulin often becomes necessary.

There are numerous theories as to the exact cause and mechanism in type 2
diabetes. Central obesity (fat concentrated around the waist in relation to
abdominal organs, but not subcutaneous fat) is known to predispose individuals
for insulin resistance. Abdominal fat is especially active hormonally, secreting a
group of hormones called adipokines that may possibly impair glucose tolerance.
Obesity is found in approximately 55% of patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.
[9] Other factors include aging (about 20% of elderly patients in North America
have diabetes) and family history (type 2 is much more common in those with close
relatives who have had it). In the last decade, type 2 diabetes has increasingly
begun to affect children and adolescents, likely in connection with the increased
prevalence of childhood obesity seen in recent decades in some places.[10]

Type 2 diabetes may go unnoticed for years because visible symptoms are typically
mild, non-existent or sporadic, and usually there are no ketoacidotic episodes.
However, severe long-term complications can result from unnoticed type 2
diabetes, including renal failure due to diabetic nephropathy, vascular disease
(including coronary artery disease), vision damage due to diabetic retinopathy,
loss of sensation or pain due to diabetic neuropathy, and liver damage from non-
alcoholic steatohepatitis.

Type 2 diabetes is usually first treated by increasing physical activity, decreasing
carbohydrate intake, and losing weight. These can restore insulin sensitivity even
when the weight loss is modest, for example around 5 kg (10 to 15 lb), most
especially when it is in abdominal fat deposits. It is sometimes possible to achieve
long-term, satisfactory glucose control with these measures alone. However, the
underlying tendency to insulin resistance is not lost, and so attention to diet,
exercise, and weight loss must continue. The usual next step, if necessary, is
treatment with oral antidiabetic drugs. Insulin production is initially only
moderately impaired in type 2 diabetes, so oral medication (often used in various
combinations) can be used to improve insulin production (e.g., sulfonylureas), to
regulate inappropriate release of glucose by the liver and attenuate insulin
resistance to some extent (e.g., metformin), and to substantially attenuate insulin
resistance (e.g., thiazolidinediones). According to one study, overweight patients
treated with metformin compared with diet alone, had relative risk reductions of
32% for any diabetes endpoint, 42% for diabetes related death and 36% for all
cause mortality and stroke.[11] Oral medication may eventually fail due to further
impairment of beta cell insulin secretion. At this point, insulin therapy is necessary
to maintain normal or near normal glucose levels.


Gestational diabetes:

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) resembles type 2 diabetes in several
respects, involving a combination of relatively inadequate insulin secretion and
responsiveness. It occurs in about 2%–5% of all pregnancies and may improve or
disappear after delivery. Gestational diabetes is fully treatable but requires
careful medical supervision throughout the pregnancy. About 20%–50% of affected
women develop type 2 diabetes later in life.

Even though it may be transient, untreated gestational diabetes can damage the
health of the fetus or mother. Risks to the baby include macrosomia (high birth
weight), congenital cardiac and central nervous system anomalies, and skeletal
muscle malformations. Increased fetal insulin may inhibit fetal surfactant
production and cause respiratory distress syndrome. Hyperbilirubinemia may
result from red blood cell destruction. In severe cases, perinatal death may occur,
most commonly as a result of poor placental profusion due to vascular impairment.
Induction may be indicated with decreased placental function. A cesarean section
may be performed if there is marked fetal distress or an increased risk of injury
associated with macrosomia, such as shoulder dystocia.


Other types:

There are several rare causes of diabetes mellitus that do not fit into type 1, type
2, or gestational diabetes; attempts to classify them remain controversial. Some
cases of diabetes are caused by the body's tissue receptors not responding to
insulin (even when insulin levels are normal, which is what separates it from type
2 diabetes); this form is very uncommon. Genetic mutations (autosomal or
mitochondrial) can lead to defects in beta cell function. Abnormal insulin action
may also been genetically determined in some cases. Any disease that causes
extensive damage to the pancreas may lead to diabetes (for example, chronic
pancreatitis and cystic fibrosis). Diseases associated with excessive secretion of
insulin-antagonistic hormones can cause diabetes (which is typically resolved
once the hormone excess is removed). Many drugs impair insulin secretion and
some toxins damage pancreatic beta cells. The ICD-10 (1992) diagnostic entity,
malnutrition-related diabetes mellitus (MRDM or MMDM, ICD-10 code E12), was
deprecated by the World Health Organization when the current taxonomy was
introduced in 1999.[3]


Signs and symptoms:

The classical triad of diabetes symptoms is polyuria, polydipsia and polyphagia,
which are, respectively, frequent urination; increased thirst and consequent
increased fluid intake; and increased appetite. Symptoms may develop quite
rapidly (weeks or months) in type 1 diabetes, particularly in children. However, in
type 2 diabetes the symptoms develop much more slowly and may be subtle or
completely absent. Type 1 diabetes may also cause a rapid yet significant weight
loss (despite normal or even increased eating) and irreducible fatigue. All of these
symptoms except weight loss can also manifest in type 2 diabetes in patients
whose diabetes is poorly controlled.

When the glucose concentration in the blood is raised beyond the renal threshold,
reabsorption of glucose in the proximal renal tubuli is incomplete, and part of the
glucose remains in the urine(glycosuria). This increases the osmotic pressure of
the urine and inhibits the reabsorption of water by the kidney, resulting in
increased urine production (polyuria) and increased fluid loss. Lost blood volume
will be replaced osmotically from water held in body cells, causing dehydration and
increased thirst.

Prolonged high blood glucose causes glucose absorption, which leads to changes
in the shape of the lenses of the eyes, resulting in vision changes. Blurred vision
is a common complaint leading to a diabetes diagnosis; type 1 should always be
suspected in cases of rapid vision change whereas type 2 is generally more
gradual, but should still be suspected.

Patients (usually with type 1 diabetes) may also present with diabetic ketoacidosis
(DKA), an extreme state of metabolic dysregulation characterized by the smell of
acetone on the patient's breath; a rapid, deep breathing known as Kussmaul
breathing; polyuria; nausea; vomiting and abdominal pain; and any of many altered
states of consciousness or arousal (such as hostility and mania or, equally,
confusion and lethargy). In severe DKA, coma may follow, progressing to death.
Diabetic ketoacidosis is a medical emergency and requires hospital admission.

A rarer but equally severe possibility is hyperosmolar nonketotic state, which is
more common in type 2 diabetes and is mainly the result of dehydration due to
loss of body water. Often, the patient has been drinking extreme amounts of sugar-
containing drinks, leading to a vicious circle in regard to the water loss.


Genetics:

Both type 1 and type 2 diabetes are at least partly inherited. Type 1 diabetes
appears to be triggered by some (mainly viral) infections, or in a less common
group, by stress or environmental exposure (such as exposure to certain
chemicals or drugs). There is a genetic element in individual susceptibility to
some of these triggers which has been traced to particular HLA genotypes (i.e.,
the genetic "self" identifiers relied upon by the immune system). However, even
in those who have inherited the susceptibility, type 1 diabetes mellitus seems to
require an environmental trigger. A small proportion of people with type 1
diabetes carry a mutated gene that causes maturity onset diabetes of the young
(MODY).

There is a stronger inheritance pattern for type 2 diabetes. Those with first-degree
relatives with type 2 have a much higher risk of developing type 2, increasing with
the number of those relatives. Concordance among monozygotic twins is close to
100%, and about 25% of those with the disease have a family history of diabetes.
Candidate genes include KCNJ11 (potassium inwardly rectifying channel, subfamily
J, member 11), which encodes the islet ATP-sensitive potassium channel Kir6.2,
and TCF7L2 (transcription factor 7–like 2), which regulates proglucagon gene
expression and thus the production of glucagon-like peptide-1.[4] Moreover,
obesity (which is an independent risk factor for type 2 diabetes) is strongly
inherited.[12]

Various hereditary conditions may feature diabetes, for example myotonic
dystrophy and Friedreich's ataxia. Wolfram's syndrome is an autosomal recessive
neurodegenerative disorder that first becomes evident in childhood. It consists of
diabetes insipidus, diabetes mellitus, optic atrophy, and deafness, hence the
acronym DIDMOAD.[13]


Pathophysiology:

Mechanism of insulin release in normal pancreatic beta cells. Insulin production is
more or less constant within the beta cells, irrespective of blood glucose levels. It
is stored within vacuoles pending release, via exocytosis, which is triggered by
increased blood glucose levels.Insulin is the principal hormone that regulates
uptake of glucose from the blood into most cells (primarily muscle and fat cells,
but not central nervous system cells). Therefore deficiency of insulin or the
insensitivity of its receptors plays a central role in all forms of diabetes mellitus.

Much of the carbohydrate in food is converted within a few hours to the
monosaccharide glucose, the principal carbohydrate found in blood and used by
the body as fuel. Some carbohydrates are not so converted. Notable examples
include fruit sugar (fructose), usable as cellular fuel but it is not converted to
glucose, and which therefore does not participate in the insulin/glucose metabolic
regulatory mechanism. Additionally, the carbohydrate cellulose (though it is
actually many glucose molecules in long chains) is not converted to glucose, as
humans and many animals have no digestive pathway capable of breaking up
cellulose.

Insulin is released into the blood by beta cells (β-cells), found in the Islets of
Langerhans in the pancreas, in response to rising levels of blood glucose after
eating. Insulin is used by about two-thirds of the body's cells to absorb glucose
from the blood for use as fuel, for conversion to other needed molecules, or for
storage. Insulin is also the principal control signal for conversion of glucose to
glycogen for internal storage in liver and muscle cells. Lowered glucose levels
result both in the reduced release of insulin from the beta cells and in the reverse
conversion of glycogen to glucose when glucose levels fall. This is mainly
controlled by the hormone glucagon which acts in an opposite manner to insulin.
Glucose thus recovered by the liver re-enters the bloodstream; muscle cells lack
the necessary export mechanism.

Higher insulin levels increase some anabolic ("building up") processes such as
cell growth and duplication, protein synthesis, and fat storage. Insulin (or its lack)
is the principal signal in converting many of the bidirectional processes of
metabolism from a catabolic to an anabolic direction, and vice versa. In particular,
a low insulin level is the trigger for entering or leaving ketosis (the fat burning
metabolic phase).

If the amount of insulin available is insufficient, if cells respond poorly to the
effects of insulin (insulin insensitivity or resistance), or if the insulin itself is
defective, then glucose will not be absorbed properly by those body cells that
require it nor will it be stored appropriately in the liver and muscles. The net effect
is persistent high levels of blood glucose, poor protein synthesis, and other
metabolic derangements, such as acidosis.


Diagnosis:

The diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, and many cases of type 2, is usually prompted by
recent-onset symptoms of excessive urination (polyuria) and excessive thirst
(polydipsia), often accompanied by weight loss. These symptoms typically worsen
over days to weeks; about a quarter of people with new type 1 diabetes have
developed some degree of diabetic ketoacidosis by the time the diabetes is
recognized. The diagnosis of other types of diabetes is usually made in other
ways. These include ordinary health screening; detection of hyperglycemia during
other medical investigations; and secondary symptoms such as vision changes or
unexplainable fatigue. Diabetes is often detected when a person suffers a
problem that is frequently caused by diabetes, such as a heart attack, stroke,
neuropathy, poor wound healing or a foot ulcer, certain eye problems, certain
fungal infections, or delivering a baby with macrosomia or hypoglycemia.

Diabetes mellitus is characterized by recurrent or persistent hyperglycemia, and is
diagnosed by demonstrating any one of the following:[3]

fasting plasma glucose level at or above 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/l).
plasma glucose at or above 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/l) two hours after a 75 g oral
glucose load as in a glucose tolerance test.
random plasma glucose at or above 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/l).
A positive result, in the absence of clinical symptoms of diabetes, should be
confirmed by another of the above-listed methods on a different day. Most
physicians prefer to measure a fasting glucose level because of the ease of
measurement and the considerable time commitment of formal glucose tolerance
testing, which takes two hours to complete. According to the current definition,
two fasting glucose measurements above 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/l) is considered
diagnostic for diabetes mellitus.

Patients with fasting glucose levels between 100 and 125 mg/dL (6.1 and 7.0
mmol/l) are considered to have impaired fasting glycemia. Patients with plasma
glucose at or above 140 mg/dL or 7.8 mmol/l two hours after a 75 g oral glucose
load are considered to have impaired glucose tolerance. Of these two pre-diabetic
states, the latter in particular is a major risk factor for progression to full-blown
diabetes mellitus as well as cardiovascular disease.

While not used for diagnosis, an elevated level of glucose irreversibly bound to
hemoglobin (termed glycosylated hemoglobin or HbA1c) of 6.0% or higher (the
2003 revised U.S. standard) is considered abnormal by most labs; HbA1c is
primarily used as a treatment-tracking test reflecting average blood glucose
levels over the preceding 90 days (approximately). However, some physicians may
order this test at the time of diagnosis to track changes over time. The current
recommended goal for HbA1c in patients with diabetes is <7.0%, which is
considered good glycemic control, although some guidelines are stricter (<6.5%).
People with diabetes who have HbA1c levels within this range have a significantly
lower incidence of complications from diabetes, including retinopathy and diabetic
nephropathy.[14][15]


Screening:

Diabetes screening is recommended for many people at various stages of life, and
for those with any of several risk factors. The screening test varies according to
circumstances and local policy, and may be a random blood glucose test, a fasting
blood glucose test, a blood glucose test two hours after 75 g of glucose, or an
even more formal glucose tolerance test. Many healthcare providers recommend
universal screening for adults at age 40 or 50, and often periodically thereafter.
Earlier screening is typically recommended for those with risk factors such as
obesity, family history of diabetes, high-risk ethnicity (Mestizo/Hispanic, Native
American, Afro-Caribbean, Pacific Island, and South Asian ancestry).[16][17]

Many medical conditions are associated with diabetes and warrant screening. A
partial list includes: high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels, coronary
artery disease, past gestational diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, chronic
pancreatitis, fatty liver, hemochromatosis, cystic fibrosis, several mitochondrial
neuropathies and myopathies, myotonic dystrophy, Friedreich's ataxia, some of the
inherited forms of neonatal hyperinsulinism. The risk of diabetes is higher with
chronic use of several medications, including high-dose glucocorticoids, some
chemotherapy agents (especially L-asparaginase), as well as some of the
antipsychotics and mood stabilizers (especially phenothiazines and some atypical
antipsychotics).


Prevention:

Type 1 diabetes risk is known to depend upon a genetic predisposition based on
HLA types (particularly types DR3 and DR4), an unknown environmental trigger
(suspected to be an infection, although none has proven definitive in all cases),
and an uncontrolled autoimmune response that attacks the insulin producing beta
cells.[18] Some research has suggested that breastfeeding decreased the risk;
[19][20] various other nutritional risk factors are being studied, but no firm
evidence has been found. [21] Giving children 2000 IU of Vitamin D during their
first year of life is associated with reduced risk of type 1 diabetes. [22]

Type 2 diabetes risk can be reduced in many cases by making changes in diet and
increasing physical activity.[23][24] The American Diabetes Association (ADA)
recommends maintaining a healthy weight, getting at least 2½ hours of exercise
per week (a brisk sustained walk appears sufficient), having a modest fat intake,
and eating a good amount of fiber and whole grains. The ADA does not recommend
alcohol consumption as a preventative, but it is interesting to note that moderate
alcohol intake may reduce the risk (though heavy consumption clearly increases
damage to body systems significantly). There is inadequate evidence that eating
foods of low glycemic index is clinically helpful.[25]

Some studies have shown delayed progression to diabetes in predisposed
patients through prophylactic use of metformin,[24] rosiglitazone,[26] or valsartan.
[27] In patients on hydroxychloroquine for rheumatoid arthritis, incidence of
diabetes was reduced by 77%.[28] Breastfeeding might also be associated with the
prevention of type 2 of the disease in mothers.[29]

It is possible that adequate copper could help prevent insulin dependant diabetes
since it does so for ATZ poisoned mice [30] and copper in drinking water has
somewhat of a protective affect [31]. It could be that copper produces its effects
through super oxidase dismutase (SOD) because metaloporpherin based
superoxide dismutase can prevent or delay the onset of the autoimmune cascade
in diabetes, using mice [32]. However, there are sufficient differences in human
and animal models to indicate this is only a theory at the present time.

Children with antibodies treated with vitamin B-3 (niacin) had less than half the
onset of diabetes incidence in a 7-year time span as the general population and
even lower incidence relative to those with antibodies as above, but no vitamin B-
3 [33]


Treatment and management:

Diabetes mellitus is currently a chronic disease, without a cure, and medical
emphasis must necessarily be on managing/avoiding possible short-term as well
as long-term diabetes-related problems. There is an exceptionally important role
for patient education, dietetic support, sensible exercise, self glucose monitoring,
with the goal of keeping both short-term blood glucose levels, and long term
levels as well, within acceptable bounds. Careful control is needed to reduce the
risk of long term complications. This is theoretically achievable with combinations
of diet, exercise and weight loss (type 2), various oral diabetic drugs (type 2 only),
and insulin use (type 1 and increasingly for type 2 not responding to oral
medications). In addition, given the associated higher risks of cardiovascular
disease, lifestyle modifications should be undertaken to control blood pressure
[34] and cholesterol by exercising more, smoking cessation, consuming an
appropriate diet, wearing diabetic socks, and if necessary, taking any of several
drugs to reduce pressure. Many Type 1 treatments include the combination use of
regular or NPH insulin, and/or synthetic insulin analogs such as Humalog, Novolog
or Apidra; the combination of Lantus/Levemir and Humalog, Novolog or Apidra.
Another Type 1 treatment option is the use of the insulin pump with the some of
most popular pump brands being: Cozmo, Animas, Medtronic Minimed, and
Omnipod.

In countries using a general practitioner system, such as the United Kingdom, care
may take place mainly outside hospitals, with hospital-based specialist care used
only in case of complications, difficult blood sugar control, or research projects. In
other circumstances, general practitioners and specialists share care of a patient
in a team approach. Optometrists, podiatrists/chiropodists, dietitians,
physiotherapists, clinical nurse specialists (eg, Certified Diabetes Educators and
DSNs (Diabetic Specialist Nurse)), or nurse practitioners may jointly provide
multidisciplinary expertise. In countries where patients must provide their own
health care, the impact of out-of-pocket costs of diabetic care can be high. In
addition to the medications and supplies needed, patients are often advised to
receive regular consultation from a physician (e.g., at least every three to six
months).


Cure:

Cures for type 1 diabetes...

There is no practical cure now for type 1 diabetes. The fact that type 1 diabetes is
due to the failure of one of the cell types of a single organ with a relatively simple
function (i.e. the failure of the islets of Langerhans) has led to the study of several
possible schemes to cure this form diabetes mostly by replacing the pancreas or
just the beta cells.[35] Only those type 1 diabetics who have received either a
pancreas or a kidney-pancreas transplant (when they have developed diabetic
nephropathy) and become insulin-independent may now be considered "cured"
from their diabetes. A simultaneous pancreas-kidney transplant is a promising
solution, showing similar or improved survival rates over a kidney transplant
alone. [36]Still, they generally remain on long-term immunosuppressive drugs and
there is a possibility that the immune system will mount a host versus graft
response against the transplanted organ.[35]

Transplants of exogenous beta cells have been performed experimentally in both
mice and humans, but this measure is not yet practical in regular clinical practice.
Thus far, like any such transplant, it has provoked an immune reaction and long-
term immunosuppressive drugs will be needed to protect the transplanted tissue.
[37] An alternative technique has been proposed to place transplanted beta cells
in a semi-permeable container, isolating and protecting them from the immune
system. Stem cell research has also been suggested as a potential avenue for a
cure since it may permit regrowth of Islet cells which are genetically part of the
treated individual, thus perhaps eliminating the need for immuno-suppressants.
[35] A 2007 trial of 15 newly diagnosed patients with type 1 diabetes treated with
stem cells raised from their own bone marrow after immune suppression showed
that the majority did not require any insulin treatment for prolonged periods of
time.[38]

Microscopic or nanotechnological approaches are under investigation as well, in
one proposed case with implanted stores of insulin metered out by a rapid
response valve sensitive to blood glucose levels. At least two approaches have
been demonstrated in vitro. These are, in some sense, closed-loop insulin pumps.


Cures for type 2 diabetes:

Type 2 diabetes can be cured by one type of gastric bypass surgery in 80-100% of
severely obese patients. The effect is not due to weight loss because it usually
occurs within days of surgery, which is before significant weight loss occurs. The
pattern of secretion of gastrointestinal hormones is changed by the bypass and
removal of the duodenum and proximal jejunum, which together form the upper
(proximal) part of the small intestine.[39] One hypothesis is that the proximal small
intestine is dysfunctional in type 2 diabetes; its removal eliminates the source of
an unknown hormone that contributes to insulin resistance.[40] This surgery has
been widely performed on morbidly obese patients and has the benefit of
reducing the death rate from all causes by up to 40%.[41] A small number of normal
to moderately obese patients with type 2 diabetes have successfully undergone
similar operations.[42][43]


Prognosis:

Patient education, understanding, and participation is vital since the complications
of diabetes are far less common and less severe in people who have well-
controlled blood sugar levels.[44][45] Wider health issues accelerate the
deleterious effects of diabetes. These include smoking, elevated cholesterol
levels, obesity, high blood pressure, and lack of regular exercise. According to a
study, women with high blood pressure have a threefold risk of developing
diabetes.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that some of those with type 2 diabetes who
exercise regularly, lose weight, and eat healthy diets may be able to keep some of
disease or some of the effects of the disease in 'remission.' Certainly these tips
can help prevent people predisposed to type 2 diabetes and those at pre-diabetic
stages from actually developing the disorder as it helps restore insulin sensitivity.
However patients should talk to their doctors about this for real expectations
before undertaking it (esp. to avoid hypoglycemia or other complications); few
people actually seem to go into total 'remission,' but some may find they need less
of their insulin medications since the body tends to have lower insulin
requirements during and shortly following exercise. Regardless of whether it
works that way or not for an individual, there are certainly other benefits to this
healthy lifestyle for both diabetics and nondiabetics.

The way diabetes is managed changes with age. Insulin production decreases due
to age-related impairment of pancreatic beta cells. Additionally, insulin resistance
increases due to the loss of lean tissue and the accumulation of fat, particularly
intra-abdominal fat, and the decreased tissue sensitivity to insulin. Glucose
tolerance progressively declines with age, leading to a high prevalence of type 2
diabetes and postchallenge hyperglycemia in the older population.[46] Age-related
glucose intolerance in humans is often accompanied by insulin resistance, but
circulating insulin levels are similar to those of younger people. [47] Treatment
goals for older patients with diabetes vary with the individual, and take into
account health status, as well as life expectancy, level of dependence, and
willingness to adhere to a treatment regimen.[48]


Acute complications:

Diabetic ketoacidosis , Nonketotic hyperosmolar coma , Hypoglycemia , and
Diabetic coma.

Diabetic ketoacidosis:

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is an acute and dangerous complication that is always
a medical emergency. Lack of insulin causes the liver to turn fat into ketone
bodies, a fuel mainly used by the brain. Elevated levels of ketone bodies in the
blood decrease the blood's pH, leading to most of the symptoms of DKA. On
presentation at hospital, the patient in DKA is typically dehydrated and is breathing
rapidly and deeply. Abdominal pain is common and may be severe. The level of
consciousness is typically normal until late in the process, when lethargy may
progress to coma. Ketoacidosis can become severe enough to cause
hypotension, shock, and death. Analysis of the urine reveals significant levels of
ketone bodies present (which spill over from the blood when the kidneys filter
blood). Prompt proper treatment usually results in full recovery, though death can
result from inadequate or delayed treatment, or from complications. Ketoacidosis
is much more common in type 1 diabetes than type 2.

Nonketotic hyperosmolar coma:

The hyperosmolar nonketotic state (HNS) is an acute complication with many
symptoms in common with DKA, but an entirely different cause and different
treatment. In a person with very high blood glucose levels (usually considered to
be above 300 mg/dl (16 mmol/l)), water is drawn out of cells into the blood by
osmosis and the kidneys dump glucose into the urine. This results in loss of water
and an increase in blood osmolality. If fluid is not replaced (by mouth or
intravenously), the osmotic effect of high glucose levels combined with the loss of
water will eventually lead to dehydration. The body's cells become progressively
dehydrated as water is taken from them and excreted. Electrolyte imbalances are
also common and dangerous. As with DKA, urgent medical treatment is necessary,
especially volume replacement. Lethargy may ultimately progress to a coma, which
is more common in type 2 diabetes than type 1.

Hypoglycemia:

Hypoglycemia, or abnormally low blood glucose, is a complication of several
diabetes treatments. It may develop if the glucose intake does not cover the
treatment. The patient may become agitated, sweaty, and have many symptoms of
sympathetic activation of the autonomic nervous system resulting in feelings
similar to dread and immobilized panic. Consciousness can be altered or even lost
in extreme cases, leading to coma, seizures, or even brain damage and death. In
patients with diabetes, this may be caused by several factors, such as too much or
incorrectly timed insulin, too much or incorrectly timed exercise (exercise
decreases insulin requirements) or not enough food (specifically glucose-
producing carbohydrates), but this is an over-simplification.

It is more accurate to note that iatrogenic hypoglycemia is typically the result of
the interplay of absolute (or relative) insulin excess and compromised glucose
counterregulation in type 1 and advanced type 2 diabetes. Decrements in insulin,
increments in glucagon, and, absent the latter, increments in epinephrine stand
high in the hierarchy of redundant glucose counterregulatory factors that normally
prevent or rapidly correct hypoglycemia. In insulin-deficient diabetes (exogenous)
insulin levels do not decrease as glucose levels fall, and the combination of
deficient glucagon and epinephrine responses causes defective glucose
counterregulation.

Furthermore, reduced sympathoadrenal responses can cause hypoglycemia
unawareness. The concept of hypoglycemia-associated autonomic failure (HAAF)
in diabetes posits that recent incidents of hypoglycemia causes both defective
glucose counterregulation and hypoglycemia unawareness. By shifting glycemic
thresholds for the sympathoadrenal (including epinephrine) and the resulting
neurogenic responses to lower plasma glucose concentrations, antecedent
hypoglycemia leads to a vicious cycle of recurrent hypoglycemia and further
impairment of glucose counterregulation. In many cases (but not all), short-term
avoidance of hypoglycemia reverses hypoglycemia unawareness in most affected
patients, although this is easier in theory than it is in practice.

In most cases, hypoglycemia is treated with sugary drinks or food. In severe
cases, an injection of glucagon (a hormone with the opposite effects of insulin) or
an intravenous infusion of dextrose is used for treatment, but usually only if the
person is unconscious. In hospitals, intravenous dextrose is often used.


Chronic complications:

Vascular disease:

Chronic elevation of b:lood glucose level leads to damage of blood vessels
(angiopathy). The endothelial cells lining the blood vessels take in more glucose
than normal, since they don't depend on insulin. They then form more surface
glycoproteins than normal, and cause the basement membrane to grow thicker
and weaker. In diabetes, the resulting problems are grouped under
"microvascular disease" (due to damage to small blood vessels) and
"macrovascular disease" (due to damage to the arteries).


Image of fundus showing scatter laser surgery for diabetic retinopathyThe damage
to small blood vessels leads to a microangiopathy, which can cause one or more
of the following:

Diabetic retinopathy, growth of friable and poor-quality new blood vessels in the
retina as well as macular edema (swelling of the macula), which can lead to severe
vision loss or blindness. Retinal damage (from microangiopathy) makes it the most
common cause of blindness among non-elderly adults in the US.
Diabetic neuropathy, abnormal and decreased sensation, usually in a 'glove and
stocking' distribution starting with the feet but potentially in other nerves, later
often fingers and hands. When combined with damaged blood vessels this can
lead to diabetic foot (see below). Other forms of diabetic neuropathy may present
as mononeuritis or autonomic neuropathy. Diabetic amyotrophy is muscle
weakness due to neuropathy.
Diabetic nephropathy, damage to the kidney which can lead to chronic renal
failure, eventually requiring dialysis. Diabetes mellitus is the most common cause
of adult kidney failure worldwide in the developed world.
Macrovascular disease leads to cardiovascular disease, to which accelerated
atherosclerosis is a contributor:

Coronary artery disease, leading to angina or myocardial infarction ("heart attack")
Stroke (mainly the ischemic type).

Peripheral vascular disease, which contributes to intermittent claudication
(exertion-related leg and foot pain) as well as diabetic foot.

Diabetic myonecrosis ('muscle wasting')

Diabetic foot, often due to a combination of neuropathy and arterial disease, may
cause skin ulcer and infection and, in serious cases, necrosis and gangrene. It is
why diabetics are prone to leg and foot infections and why it takes longer for them
to heal from leg and foot wounds. It is the most common cause of adult
amputation, usually of toes and or feet, in the developed world.

Carotid artery stenosis does not occur more often in diabetes, and there appears
to be a lower prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysm. However, diabetes does
cause higher morbidity, mortality and operative risks with these conditions.[49]


Epidemiology:

In 2000, according to the World Health Organization, at least 171 million people
worldwide suffer from diabetes. Its incidence is increasing rapidly, and it is
estimated that by the year 2030, this number will double. Diabetes mellitus occurs
throughout the world, but is more common (especially type 2) in the more
developed countries. The greatest increase in prevalence is, however, expected
to occur in Asia and Africa, where most patients will likely be found by 2030. The
increase in incidence of diabetes in developing countries follows the trend of
urbanization and lifestyle changes, perhaps most importantly a "Western-style"
diet. This has suggested an environmental (i.e., dietary) effect, but there is little
understanding of the mechanism(s) at present, though there is much speculation,
some of it most compellingly presented.

Diabetes is in the top 10, and perhaps the top 5, of the most significant diseases in
the developed world, and is gaining in significance there and elsewhere (see big
killers).

For at least 20 years, diabetes rates in North America have been increasing
substantially. In 2005 there were about 20.8 million people with diabetes in the
United States alone. According to the American Diabetes Association, there are
about 6.2 million people undiagnosed and about 41 million people that would be
considered prediabetic.[50] However, the criteria for diagnosing diabetes in the
USA means that it is more readily diagnosed than in some other countries. The
Centers for Disease Control has termed the change an epidemic. The National
Diabetes Information Clearinghouse estimates that diabetes costs $132 billion in
the United States alone every year. About 5%–10% of diabetes cases in North
America are type 1, with the rest being type 2. The fraction of type 1 in other parts
of the world differs; this is likely due to both differences in the rate of type 1 and
differences in the rate of other types, most prominently type 2. Most of this
difference is not currently understood. The American Diabetes Association point
out the 2003 assessment of the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention
and Health Promotion (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) that 1 in 3
Americans born after 2000 will develop diabetes in their lifetime.[51][50]

According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately 18.3% (8.6 million)
of Americans age 60 and older have diabetes. [52] Diabetes mellitus prevalence
increases with age, and the numbers of older persons with diabetes are expected
to grow as the elderly population increases in number. The National Health and
Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III) demonstrated that, in the population
over 65 years old, 18% to 20% have diabetes, with 40% having either diabetes or its
precursor form of impaired glucose tolerance.[46]


History:

The term diabetes (Greek: διαβήτης, diabētēs) was coined by Aretaeus of
Cappadocia. It was derived from the Greek verb διαβαίνειν, diabaínein, itself
formed from the prefix dia-, "across, apart," and the verb bainein, "to walk, stand."
The verb diabeinein meant "to stride, walk, or stand with legs asunder"; hence, its
derivative diabētēs meant "one that straddles," or specifically "a compass,
siphon." The sense "siphon" gave rise to the use of diabētēs as the name for a
disease involving the discharge of excessive amounts of urine. Diabetes is first
recorded in English, in the form diabete, in a medical text written around 1425. In
1675, Thomas Willis added the word mellitus, from the Latin meaning "honey", a
reference to the sweet taste of the urine. This sweet taste had been noticed in
urine by the ancient Greeks, Chinese, Egyptians, and Indians. In 1776, Matthew
Dobson confirmed that the sweet taste was because of an excess of a kind of
sugar in the urine and blood of people with diabetes.[53]

The ancient Indians tested for diabetes by observing whether ants were attracted
to a person's urine, and called the ailment "sweet urine disease" (Madhumeha).
The Korean, Chinese, and Japanese words for diabetes are based on the same
ideographs (糖尿病) which mean "sugar urine disease".

Although diabetes has been recognized since antiquity, and treatments of various
efficacy have been known in various regions since the Middle Ages, and in legend
for much longer, pathogenesis of diabetes has only been understood
experimentally since about 1900.[54] The discovery of a role for the pancreas in
diabetes is generally ascribed to Joseph von Mering and Oskar Minkowski, who in
1889 found that dogs whose pancreas was removed developed all the signs and
symptoms of diabetes and died shortly afterwards.[55] In 1910, Sir Edward Albert
Sharpey-Schafer suggested that people with diabetes were deficient in a single
chemical that was normally produced by the pancreas—he proposed calling this
substance insulin, from the Latin insula, meaning island, in reference to the
insulin-producing islets of Langerhans in the pancreas.[54]

The endocrine role of the pancreas in metabolism, and indeed the existence of
insulin, was not further clarified until 1921, when Sir Frederick Grant Banting and
Charles Herbert Best repeated the work of Von Mering and Minkowski, and went
further to demonstrate they could reverse induced diabetes in dogs by giving
them an extract from the pancreatic islets of Langerhans of healthy dogs.[56]
Banting, Best, and colleagues (especially the chemist Collip) went on to purify the
hormone insulin from bovine pancreases at the University of Toronto. This led to
the availability of an effective treatment—insulin injections—and the first patient
was treated in 1922. For this, Banting and laboratory director MacLeod received
the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 1923; both shared their Prize money
with others in the team who were not recognized, in particular Best and Collip.
Banting and Best made the patent available without charge and did not attempt to
control commercial production. Insulin production and therapy rapidly spread
around the world, largely as a result of this decision.

The distinction between what is now known as type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes
was first clearly made by Sir Harold Percival (Harry) Himsworth, and published in
January 1936.[57]

Despite the availability of treatment, diabetes has remained a major cause of
death. For instance, statistics reveal that the cause-specific mortality rate during
1927 amounted to about 47.7 per 100,000 population in Malta.[58]

Other landmark discoveries include:[54]

I
dentification of the first of the sulfonylureas in 1942
reintroduction of the use of biguanides for Type 2 diabetes in the late 1950s. The
initial phenformin was withdrawn worldwide (in the U.S. in 1977) due to its potential
for sometimes fatal lactic acidosis and metformin was first marketed in France in
1979, but not until 1994 in the US.
the determination of the amino acid sequence of insulin (by Sir Frederick Sanger,
for which he received a Nobel Prize)
the radioimmunoassay for insulin, as discovered by Rosalyn Yalow and Solomon
Berson (gaining Yalow the 1977 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine)[59]
the three-dimensional structure of insulin (PDB 2INS)
Dr Gerald Reaven's identification of the constellation of symptoms now called
metabolic syndrome in 1988
demonstration that intensive glycemic control in type 1 diabetes reduces chronic
side effects more as glucose levels approach 'normal' in a large longitudinal study,
[60] and also in type 2 diabetics in other large studies
identification of the first thiazolidinedione as an effective insulin sensitizer during
the 1990s
-In 1980, U.S. biotech company Genentech developed human insulin. The insulin is
isolated from genetically-altered bacteria (the bacteria contain the human gene for
synthesizing human insulin), which produce large quantities of insulin. Scientists
then purify the insulin and distribute it to pharmacies for use by diabetes patients.
(2004. Thieman,W.J. and Palladino,M.A. Introduction To Biotechnology. page 6.
Pearson, Benjamin Cummings)


Social issues:

The 1989 Declaration of St Vincent was the result of international efforts to
improve the care accorded to those with diabetes. Doing so is important both in
terms of quality of life and life expectancy but also economically - expenses to
diabetes have been shown to be a major drain on health- and productivity-related
resources for healthcare systems and governments.

Several countries established more and less successful national diabetes
programmes to improve treatment of the disease.[61]

A study shows that diabetic patients with neuropathic symptoms such as
numbness or tingling in feet or hands are twice more likely to be unemployed than
those without the symptoms.[62]


References:

^ IDF Chooses Blue Circle to Represent UN Resolution Campaign. Unite for
Diabetes (17 March 2006).

^ a b L M Tierney, S J McPhee, M A Papadakis (2002). Current medical
Diagnosis & Treatment. International edition. New York: Lange Medical
Books/McGraw-Hill, 1203-1215. ISBN 0-07-137688-7.  

^ a b c World Health Organisation Department of Noncommunicable Disease
Surveillance (1999). Definition, Diagnosis and Classification of Diabetes
Mellitus and its Complications (PDF).

^ a b c Rother, KI (2007). "Diabetes Treatment — Bridging the Divide". N Engl
J Med 356 (15): 1499-1501. 

^ Mailloux, Lionel (2007-02-13). [[[:Template:Cite web /url=http://patients.
uptodate.com/topic.asp?file=dialysis/15147 /title=UpToDate Dialysis in
diabetic nephropathy /accessdate=2007-12-07 /format= /work=]] UpToDate
Dialysis in diabetic nephropathy]. UpToDate. Retrieved on 2007-12-07.

^ Other "types" of diabetes. American Diabetes Association (August 25,
2005).

^ Diseases: Johns Hopkins Autoimmune Disease Research Center.
Retrieved on 2007-09-23.

^ FDA Approves First Ever Inhaled Insulin Combination Product for
Treatment of Diabetes. Retrieved on 2007-09-09.

^ Eberhart, MS; Ogden C, Engelgau M, Cadwell B, Hedley AA, Saydah SH
(November 19, 2004). "Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity Among Adults
with Diagnosed Diabetes --- United States, 1988--1994 and 1999--2002".
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report 53 (45): 1066-1068. Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved on 2007-03-11. 

^ Arlan Rosenbloom, Janet H Silverstein (2003). Type 2 Diabetes in Children
and Adolescents: A Clinician's Guide to Diagnosis, Epidemiology,
Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment. American Diabetes Association,U.
S., 1. ISBN 978-1580401555.  

^ (1998) "Effect of intensive blood-glucose control with metformin on
complications in overweight patients with type 2 diabetes (UKPDS 34). UK
Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) Group". Lancet 352 (9131): 854-65.
PMID 9742977. 

^ Walley AJ, Blakemore AI, Froguel P (2006). "Genetics of obesity and the
prediction of risk for health". Hum. Mol. Genet. 15 Spec No 2: R124-30. doi:
10.1093/hmg/ddl215. PMID 16987875. 

^ Barrett TG (2001). "Mitochondrial diabetes, DIDMOAD and other inherited
diabetes syndromes". Best Pract. Res. Clin. Endocrinol. Metab. 15 (3): 325-
43. doi:10.1053/beem.2001.0149. PMID 11554774. 

^ Sniderman, AD; Bhopal R, Prabhakaran D, Sarrafzadegan N, Tchernof A
(2007). "Why might South Asians be so susceptible to central obesity and its
atherogenic consequences? The adipose tissue overflow hypothesis".
International journal of epidemiology 36 (1): 220–225. doi:10.1093/ije/dyl245.
PMID 17510078. 

^ Genuth S (Jan-Feb 2006). "Insights from the diabetes control and
complications trial/epidemiology of diabetes interventions and
complications study on the use of intensive glycemic treatment to reduce
the risk of complications of type 1 diabetes.". Endocr Pract 12 (Suppl 1): 34-
41. ISSN 1530-891X. PMID 16627378. 

^ Lee CM, Huxley RR, Lam TH, et al (2007). "Prevalence of diabetes mellitus
and population attributable fractions for coronary heart disease and stroke
mortality in the WHO South-East Asia and Western Pacific regions". Asia
Pacific journal of clinical nutrition 16 (1): 187–92. PMID 17215197. 

^ Seidell JC (2000). "Obesity, insulin resistance and diabetes--a worldwide
epidemic". Br. J. Nutr. 83 Suppl 1: S5–8. PMID 10889785. 

^ Daneman D (2006). "Type 1 diabetes". Lancet 367 (9513): 847-58. PMID
16530579. 

^ Borch-Johnsen K, Joner G, Mandrup-Poulsen T, Christy M, Zachau-
Christiansen B, Kastrup K, Nerup J (1984). "Relation between breast-feeding
and incidence rates of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. A hypothesis".
Lancet 2 (8411): 1083-6. PMID 6150150. 

^ Naim Shehadeh, Raanan Shamir, Moshe Berant, Amos Etzioni (2001).
"Insulin in human milk and the prevention of type 1 diabetes". Pediatric
Diabetes 2 (4): 175-177. 

^ Virtanen S, Knip M (2003). "Nutritional risk predictors of beta cell
autoimmunity and type 1 diabetes at a young age". Am J Clin Nutr 78 (6):
1053-67. PMID 14668264. 

^ Hyppönen E, Läärä E, Reunanen A, Järvelin MR, Virtanen SM (2001).
"Intake of vitamin D and risk of type 1 diabetes: a birth-cohort study".
Lancet. PMID 11705562. 

^ Lindström J, Ilanne-Parikka P, Peltonen M, Aunola S, Eriksson J, Hemiö K,
Hämäläinen H, Härkönen P, Keinänen-Kiukaanniemi S, Laakso M,
Louheranta A, Mannelin M, Paturi M, Sundvall J, Valle T, Uusitupa M,
Tuomilehto J (2006). "Sustained reduction in the incidence of type 2
diabetes by lifestyle intervention: follow-up of the Finnish Diabetes
Prevention Study.". Lancet 368 (9548): 1673-9. PMID 17098085. 

^ a b Knowler W, Barrett-Connor E, Fowler S, Hamman R, Lachin J, Walker E,
Nathan D (2002). "Reduction in the incidence of type 2 diabetes with lifestyle
intervention or metformin.". N Engl J Med 346 (6): 393-403. PMID 11832527.


^ Bantle JP, Wylie-Rosett J, Albright AL, et al (2006). "Nutrition
recommendations and interventions for diabetes--2006: a position statement
of the American Diabetes Association". Diabetes Care 29 (9): 2140–57. doi:
10.2337/dc06-9914. PMID 16936169. 

^ Gerstein H, Yusuf S, Bosch J, Pogue J, Sheridan P, Dinccag N, Hanefeld M,
Hoogwerf B, Laakso M, Mohan V, Shaw J, Zinman B, Holman R (2006).
"Effect of rosiglitazone on the frequency of diabetes in patients with
impaired glucose tolerance or impaired fasting glucose: a randomised
controlled trial". Lancet 368 (9541): 1096-105. PMID 16997664. 

^ Kjeldsen SE, Julius S, Mancia G, McInnes GT, Hua T, Weber MA, Coca A,
Ekman S, Girerd X, Jamerson K, Larochelle P, Macdonald TM, Schmieder
RE, Schork MA, Stolt P, Viskoper R, Widimsky J, Zanchetti A; for the VALUE
Trial Investigators (2006). "Effects of valsartan compared to amlodipine on
preventing type 2 diabetes in high-risk hypertensive patients: the VALUE
trial.". J Hypertens 24 (7): 1405-1412. PMID 16794491. 

^ Wasko MC, Hubert HB, Lingala VB, et al (2007). "Hydroxychloroquine and
risk of diabetes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis". JAMA 298 (2): 187-93.
doi:10.1001/jama.298.2.187. PMID 17622600. 

^ Stuebe AM, Rich-Edwards JW, Willett WC, Manson JE, Michels KB (2005).
"Duration of lactation and incidence of type 2 diabetes". JAMA 294 (20):
2601–10. PMID 16304074. 

^ Sitasawad S, Deshpande M, Katdare M, Tirth S, Parab P. (2001) Beneficial
effect of supplementation with copper sulfate on STZ diabetic mice (IDDM).
Diabetes Res Clin Pract May;52(2):77-84.

^ Zhao HX, Mold MD, Stenhouse EA, Bird SC, Wright DE, Demaine AG,
Millward BA. (2001) Drinking water composition and childhood-onset Type 1
diabetes mellitus in Devon and Cornwall, England. Diabetic Med 18(9) p709-
717.This article modified in November 2007.

^ Haskins K, et al (2003) "Immunology of diabetes II. Pathogenesis from
mouse to man." Ann. N.Y. Academy of Sciences 1005: 43. doi. 10.1196
/annals.1288.006.

^ Elliott RB Pilcher CC Fergusson DM Stewart AW 1996 A population based
strategy to prevent insulin-dependent diabetes using nicotinamide. J Pediatr
Endocrinol Metab. 1996 Sep-Oct;9(5):501-9.

^ Adler, A.I.; Stratton, I. M.; Neil, H.A.; et al (2000). "Association of systolic
blood pressure with macrovascular and microvascular complications of
type 2 diabetes (UKPDS 36): prospective observational study". BMJ 321
(7258): 412–419. ISSN 0959-8146. PMID 10938049. 

^ a b c Vinik AI, Fishwick DT, Pittenger G (2004). "Advances in diabetes for
the millennium: toward a cure for diabetes". MedGenMed : Medscape
general medicine 6 (3 Suppl): 12. PMID 15647717. 

^ Stratta RJ, Alloway RR. (1998). "Pancreas transplantation for diabetes
mellitus: a guide to recipient selection and optimum immunosuppression.".
BioDrugs. 10 (5): 347-357. PMID 18020607. 

^ Shapiro AM, Ricordi C, Hering BJ, et al (2006). "International trial of the
Edmonton protocol for islet transplantation". N. Engl. J. Med. 355 (13): 1318-
30. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa061267. PMID 17005949. 

^ Voltarelli, JC; Couri CE, Stracieri AB, Oliveira MC, Moraes DA, Pieroni F,
Coutinho M, Malmegrim KC, Foss-Freitas MC, Simoes BP, Foss MC, Squiers
E, Burt RK. (2007). "Autologous nonmyeloablative hematopoietic stem cell
transplantation in newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes mellitus.". JAMA 297
(14): 1568-76. PMID 17426276. 

^ Rubino, F; Gagner M (2002). "Potential of surgery for curing type 2
diabetes mellitus". Ann. Surg. 236 (5): 554-9. ISSN 0003-4932. PMID
12409659. 

^ Rubino, F; Forgione A, Cummings DE, et al (2006). "The mechanism of
diabetes control after gastrointestinal bypass surgery reveals a role of the
proximal small intestine in the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes". Ann.
Surg. 244 (5): 741–9. PMID 17060767. 

^ Adams, TD; Gress RE, Smith SC, et al (2007). "Long-term mortality after
gastric bypass surgery". N. Engl. J. Med. 357 (8): 753–61. doi:10.1056
/NEJMoa066603. ISSN 0028-4793. PMID 17715409. 

^ Cohen, RV; Schiavon CA, Pinheiro JS, Correa JL, Rubino F (2007).
"Duodenal-jejunal bypass for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in patients
with body mass index of 22-34 kg/m2: a report of 2 cases". Surg Obes Relat
Dis. 3 (2): 195–7. doi:10.1016/j.soard.2007.01.009. PMID 17386401. 

^ Vasonconcelos, Alberto (2007-09-01). "Could type 2 diabetes be reversed
using surgery?". New Scientist (2619): 11-13. Retrieved on 2007-09-26. 
^ Nathan, D.M.; Cleary P.A., Backlund J.Y., et al (2005). "Intensive diabetes
treatment and cardiovascular disease in patients with type 1 diabetes". N.
Engl. J. Med. 353 (25): 2643-53. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa052187. PMID 16371630. 

^ The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial Research Group (1995).
"The effect of intensive diabetes therapy on the development and
progression of neuropathy". Annals of Internal Medicine 122 (8): 561-568.
ISSN 0003-4819. PMID 7887548. 

^ a b Harris MI, Flegal KM, Cowie CC, et al (1998). "Prevalence of diabetes,
impaired fasting glucose, and impaired glucose tolerance in U.S. adults. The
Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988-1994".
Diabetes Care 21 (4): 518-24. PMID 9571335. 

^ Annette M. Chang and Jeffrey B. Halter (2003). Aging and insulin secretion.
AJP - Endocrinology and Metabolism. Retrieved on 2007-05-14.

^ Diabetes and Aging. Diabetes Dateline. National Institute of Diabetes and
Digestive and Kidney Diseases (2002). Retrieved on 2007-05-14.

^ Weiss J, Sumpio B (2006). "Review of prevalence and outcome of vascular
disease in patients with diabetes mellitus.". Eur J Vasc Endovasc Surg 31
(2): 143-50. PMID 16203161. 

^ a b American Diabetes Association (2005). Total Prevalence of Diabetes &
Pre-diabetes. Retrieved on 2006-03-17.

^ Narayan K, Boyle J, Thompson T, Sorensen S, Williamson D (2003).
"Lifetime risk for diabetes mellitus in the United States". JAMA 290 (14): 1884-
90. PMID 14532317. 

^ Seniors and Diabetes. Elderly And Diabetes - Diabetes and Seniors.
LifeMed Media (2006). Retrieved on 2007-05-14.


^ Dobson, M. (1776). "Nature of the urine in diabetes". Medical Observations
and Inquiries 5: 298–310. 

^ a b c Patlak M (2002). "New weapons to combat an ancient disease:
treating diabetes". FASEB J 16 (14): 1853. PMID 12468446. 

^ Von Mehring J, Minkowski O. (1890). "Diabetes mellitus nach
pankreasexstirpation.". Arch Exp Pathol Pharmakol 26: 371-387. 

^ Banting FG, Best CH, Collip JB, Campbell WR, Fletcher AA (1922).
"Pancreatic extracts in the treatment of diabetes mellitus". Canad Med
Assoc J 12: 141–146. 

^ Himsworth (1936). "Diabetes mellitus: its differentiation into insulin-
sensitive and insulin-insensitive types". Lancet i: 127–130. 

^ Department of Health (Malta), 1897–1972:Annual Reports.

^ Yalow RS, Berson SA (1960). "Immunoassay of endogenous plasma
insulin in man". J. Clin. Invest. 39: 1157-75. PMID 13846364. 

^ (1993) "The effect of intensive treatment of diabetes on the development
and progression of long-term complications in insulin-dependent diabetes
mellitus. The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial Research Group.". N
Engl J Med 329 (14): 977-86. PMID 8366922. 

^ Dubois, HFW and Bankauskaite, V (2005). "Type 2 diabetes programmes in
Europe" (PDF). Euro Observer 7 (2): 5–6. 

^ Stewart WF, Ricci JA, Chee E, Hirsch AG, Brandenburg NA (2007). "Lost
productive time and costs due to diabetes and diabetic neuropathic pain in
the US workforce". J. Occup. Environ. Med. 49 (6): 672–9. doi:10.1097/JOM.
0b013e318065b83a. PMID 17563611. 

===============================================================
Medical Page Number 1