Diabetes Mellitus

Chances are, if you or someone that you know has been diagnosed with diabetes that you have heard a phrase that leaves you a little confused, and perhaps concerned. That phrase is diabetes mellitus. To help alleviate the confusion, and erase some of the concern, all you really need to know is that diabetes mellitus is the scientific name for the disease that is more commonly known as diabetes. That being said, here are a few more bits of information about the various types of diabetes mellitus that are out there, and what they can do.

• Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus. This type of diabetes comes about when the body fails to produce any insulin naturally. What this means is that those who are diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes will need to use artificial means to introduce insulin to their body. The typical methods that are used for this are things an insulin shot, and in the cases of severe diabetes the use an insulin pump. In the past, this type of diabetes was referred to as juvenile diabetes since it typically appears in younger individuals, such as children.
• Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Also known as Type 2 Diabetes, this is a condition that develops when the body begins to form an insulin resistance, or the body is in some other way unable to process insulin correctly. Typically this is referred to as adult onset diabetes, and is usually the result of an improper diet, or other type of weight issue.
• Congenital Diabetes Mellitus. Unlike other types of diabetes, congenital diabetes is the result of a problem in the afflicted person's genes. This defect has an impact on the insulin secretion of the body, and results in an individual needing to have some artificial help in receiving insulin. While it the effects are similar to Type 1 and Type 2, congenital diabetes is different.
• Gestational Diabetes Mellitus. This type of diabetes is one that only a woman can get. The reason for this is that it shows up only in pregnant women, and then only when the conditions are right. When it shows up, it will show up in a woman that has never had diabetes before, and has an excessively high blood sugar level. With the proper treatment and monitoring, this type of diabetes can go away after the baby is born. Be aware though that it can be considered a precursor for Type 2 diabetes later in life.