Diabetes Mellitus
(En español:
Diabetes mellitus)
Say: dye-uh-be-tees meh-luh-tis
Diabetes mellitus is sometimes called "sugar diabetes." When someone has diabetes,
his or her body doesn't use glucose properly. Glucose, a sugar, is the main source
of energy for the body. Glucose levels are controlled by a hormone called insulin,
which is made in the pancreas. In diabetes, the pancreas does not make enough insulin
(type 1
diabetes) or the body can't respond normally to the insulin that is made (type 2 diabetes). If diabetes is not under control - or
a person doesn't know he or she has diabetes - the person may have problems like increased
urination (peeing), extreme thirst, and unexplained weight loss.
