Introduction, Background and Various Types

INTRODUCTION An understanding of the various forms of diabetes mellitus is critical for healthcare workers. At least 29.1 million Americans have diabetes; with about 8.1 million of these individuals unaware they have the disease.¹ Worldwide, it is estimated that 150 million people live with diabetes mellitus.² In the United States, an additional 86 million individuals aged 20 years and older are believed to be prediabetic.¹ This figure does not take into account the growing number of prediabetic children across the globe.

Diabetes mellitus results in ineffective insulin utilization and hyperglycemia.³ Healthy fasting blood glucose levels are between 70 and 100 mg/dL (~3.9-5.5 mmol/L). Diabetic individuals have chronic hyperglycemia, characterized as fasting blood glucose levels of 126 mg/dL (~6.9 mmol/L) and above.⁴ Acute complications include severe elevations in blood sugar levels that, if occurring in a dehydrated patient, can lead to an increase in blood osmolality and coma.⁵ Ketoacidosis, the accumulation of high levels of ketones in the blood, can also occur and be life threatening for diabetic individuals.⁶ Chronic effects of uncontrolled blood glucose in diabetic patients include increased risk of complications involving the eyes, heart, kidneys, peripheral nerves and blood vessels.⁷