Diabetes: A Global Concern

Diabetes Mellitus is a metabolic disorder of multiple etiologies, characterized by chronic hyperglycemia together with disturbances of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism resulting from defects of insulin secretion, insulin action or both. Associated complications can lead to blindness, renal failure and neuropathy. While type 2 Diabetes Mellitus is characterized by insulin resistance/ insulin deficiency, type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, is primarily caused by ß-cell destruction. By far the majority of people with diabetes worldwide have T2DM. It is also clear that T2DM is closely associated with obesity and physical inactivity. The incidence of T2DM also increases with age, which may be related to decrease in exercise and muscle mass. Diabetes is known to occurs both as a result of specific genetic defects in insulin secretion and action and in a range of other conditions. Many infections and genetic syndromes are also known to be associated with diabetes. What we really need today is to explore the feasibility, effectiveness, and cost effectiveness of diabetic interventions.