Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease characterised by inability of the body to burn up the sugars (carbohydrates) which have been ingested. It is caused by insufficient production of insulin by the pancreas.
There are Four main types of diabetes mellitus.  There are:-

• Type 1 or Juvenile-onset Diabetes mellitus- People in this type make little or no insulin in their    body.  It usually start in childhood but can occur at any age.
• Type 2 or Adult-onset diabetes- This is the most common form of diabetes mellitus and is    strongly associated with genetic tendency and obesity.  The body produces normal or even    high levels of insulin but certain factors make its utilization ineffective. Sedentary lifestyle,    unhealthy dietary patterns and the consequent obesity are the common causes.
• Secondary Diabetes mellitus- It is caused by genetic condition, pancreatic disease, drugs, or    other medical conditions.
• Gestational diabetes mellitus or pregnancy induced diabetes.

» Symptoms:-

Symptoms depend on the type and duration of diabetes.  Common symptoms are:-
• Increased urination
• Increased thirst
• Increased appetite
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Urinary or vaginal infections
• Weight loss
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.
• Slow healing of cuts or sores
• Impotency. » COMPLICATIONS OF LONG TERM DIABETES:-

• Retinopathy- Damage to the retina of the eye that can cause blindness.
• Kidney Disease- Steady decline in kidney function or overt kidney failure.
• Stroke- Diabetes have an increased risk of stroke
• Heart Disease- Hardening or blockage of arteries increases the risk of heart attack.
• Peripheral Neuropathy- Damage to the peripheral nerves and altered sensation.  Patient may    complain of numbness, tingling and / or burning pain in the extremities, hands and feets.

» Management:-

Diet control and regular exercise helps to control the diabetes mellitus.