Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 (DM2)
Overview
Plain-Language Overview
Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 (DM2) is a common chronic condition that affects how the body processes sugar, which is an important source of energy. It primarily involves the endocrine system, specifically the hormone insulin, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. In DM2, the body either resists the effects of insulin or does not produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood sugar. This leads to high blood sugar levels, which can cause symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, and fatigue. Over time, uncontrolled blood sugar can damage organs such as the heart, kidneys, eyes, and nerves, leading to serious health problems.
Clinical Definition
Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 (DM2) is a metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency, resulting in chronic hyperglycemia. The core pathology involves impaired cellular response to insulin in peripheral tissues, primarily muscle and adipose tissue, combined with progressive pancreatic beta-cell dysfunction. It is strongly associated with obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and genetic predisposition involving multiple genes such as TCF7L2. The disease is clinically significant due to its association with microvascular complications like retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy, as well as macrovascular complications including coronary artery disease and stroke. Diagnosis and management focus on controlling blood glucose to prevent these complications.