Pathology
Diabetes is a chronic life-threatening condition in which the amount of glucose in the blood is too high because its consumption is impaired. This is due to the fact that the body does not produce enough insulin or does not respond properly to insulin, a hormone enabling cells to absorb glucose.
There are two types of diabetes:
- Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition that results from the destruction of Langerhans islets in the pancreas causing a lack of insulin production. This form was previously referred as "insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus" (IDDM) or "juvenile diabetes".
- Type 2 diabetes is developed over time and was previously referred as “non insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus” (NIDDM). The cause is different from Type 1 diabetes. Two abnormalities are responsible for hyperglycemia:
- Insulinopenia: pancreas produces an insufficient amount of insulin,
- Insulin resistance: insulin is produced in a normal amount but is inefficient.
Individuals with diabetes have an increased risk of developing a number of serious health problems. Consistently high blood glucose levels can lead to non-reversible complications affecting the heart and blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, nerves and teeth. In addition, people with diabetes also have a higher risk of developing infections.
Diabetes is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease, blindness, kidney failure, and lower limb amputation.
In 2014, it is estimated that 387 million people had diabetes worldwide. According to the International Diabetes Federation, this will rise to 592 million by 2030.
IDF Regions and global projections for the number of people with diabetes (20-79 years), 2010-2030
