Joanna Fields, Medical Laboratory Training, Diabetes Mellitus

Table of Content

Introduction 2

Diabetes Mellitus 3

Types of Diabetes Mellitus 3

Signs and Symptoms 4

Laboratory Tests and Expected Results 5

Conclusion 6

Reference 7
Joanna Fields, Medical Laboratory Training, Diabetes Mellitus

Introduction
According to WHO, Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs when the pancreas does not
produce enough insulin or the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. The term
"diabetes" is derived from Greek, signifying a "siphon". Aretus the Cappadocian, a Greek
physician from the second century AD, labeled the condition as "diabainein". He observed
patients exhibiting excessive urination (polyuria) - akin to a siphon. The term evolved into
"diabetes" through the English adaptation of the Medieval Latin diabetes. In 1675, Thomas
Willis appended "mellitus" to the designation, although it is commonly known as diabetes. The
term "mellitus" in Latin translates to "honey"; individuals with diabetes have elevated glucose
levels in their urine and blood, and glucose possesses a sweet taste resembling honey. Hence,
diabetes mellitus could be interpreted as "siphoning off sweet water".
In this assignment, we will examine two variations of diabetes mellitus, delve into the
pathophysiology of each type, explore the common symptoms linked to diabetes, and discuss the
diagnostic tests employed for identifying diabetes and prediabetes.
Joanna Fields, Medical Laboratory Training, Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus
Definition
Diabetes is characterized by a cluster of metabolic disorders where an individual experiences
elevated levels of blood glucose (blood sugar), ineffective response of the body's cells to insulin,
or a combination of both factors. Insufficient insulin production by the pancreas or inadequate
response of the body's cells to insulin can lead to diabetes.

Types of Diabetes
Diabetes can have a genetic basis, can be influenced by lifestyle choices or other contributing
factors. Two types of diabetes are:
Type 1 Diabetes - a lack of insulin production in the body leads to this condition. It used to be
called "insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus" (IDDM) or "juvenile diabetes". The cause is still
unknown.
Type 2 Diabetes - starts with insulin resistance, where cells don't respond to insulin properly. As
the disease advances, there may also be a shortage of insulin. This condition was previously
known as "non insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus" (NIDDM) or "adult-onset diabetes". The
main cause is being overweight and not getting enough exercise.
Joanna Fields, Medical Laboratory Training, Diabetes Mellitus

Pathophysiology
Type 1 Diabetes
Insulin is synthesized in the pancreas by the beta cells of the islets of Langerhans in response to
glucose. Type 1 diabetes is caused by the autoimmune destruction of these insulin-producing
cells, leading to a deficiency of the hormone and requiring patients to depend on external sources
indefinitely.
Type 2 Diabetes
The development of type 2 diabetes mellitus involves insulin resistance in the body's tissues,
impaired regulation of glucose production in the liver, and a decline in β-cell (insulin producing
cells in the pancreas) function, which eventually leads to β-cell failure. The main factors
contributing to this condition are thought to be an initial decrease in insulin secretion and, in
many patients, a relative lack of insulin in conjunction with insulin resistance in the body's
tissues.
Joanna Fields, Medical Laboratory Training, Diabetes Mellitus

Sign and Symptoms

Symptoms can appear quickly in one type of diabetes, while they develop slowly in another type.
Some signs and symptoms of diabetes are not unique to the disease.
Other symptoms may include
 blurry vision
 headaches
 fatigue
 slow wound healing
 itchy skin
High blood sugar levels can affect the eyes, causing vision changes. Skin rashes associated with
diabetes are called dermadromes. Some individuals, especially those with type 1 diabetes, might
encounter ketoacidosis, a metabolic issue marked by stomach pain, acetone breath odor, rapid
breathing (Kussmaul breathing), and in extreme situations, reduced consciousness levels.
Joanna Fields, Medical Laboratory Training, Diabetes Mellitus

Laboratory Tests and Expected Results

The following are tests that would be ordered for a patient that is a known diabetic or someone
suspected to be diabetic:
• Fasting plasma glucose (FPG) – the patient’s blood sugar is measured after an overnight fast
(not eating). A fasting blood sugar level of 99 mg/dL or lower is considered normal, 100 to 125
mg/dL can indicate prediabetes, and 126 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes.
• Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) - This test involves checking your blood sugar levels
before and after consuming a glucose-containing liquid. You will need to fast overnight before
the test, followed by having your blood drawn to establish your fasting blood sugar level. A
blood sugar level of 140 mg/dL or below at the 2-hour mark is considered normal, while a range
of 140 to 199 mg/dL would suggest prediabetes, and a reading of 200 mg/dL or higher indicates
diabetes.
• Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) test - A normal A1C level is below 5.7%, while a range of 5.7% to
6.4% could indicate the presence of prediabetes. An A1C level of 6.5% or higher signifies the
presence of diabetes.
• Random plasma (blood) glucose - This test checks your blood sugar levels at the moment of
testing. You can undergo this test at any time without the need to fast beforehand. A blood sugar
reading of 200 mg/dL or above suggests that you have diabetes.
Joanna Fields, Medical Laboratory Training, Diabetes Mellitus

Conclusion
Diabetes type 1 and type 2 are classified according to their phenotypic variances. Type 1 diabetes
cannot be prevented at present, but there are strategies to prevent and control symptoms. By
having the required tests for diagnosing and monitoring prediabetes and diabetes done,
physicians can help individuals decrease or eliminate the likelihood of developing type 2
diabetes and manage type 1 diabetes.
Joanna Fields, Medical Laboratory Training, Diabetes Mellitus

References
Diabetes tests & diagnosis. (2022, July 1). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and
Kidney Diseases. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/tests-
diagnosis
Diabetes. (2023, April 5). World Health Organization
(WHO). https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diabetes
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moment... https://www.researchgate.net/publication/11501380_Guidelines_and_Recommendatio
ns_for_Laboratory_Analysis_in_the_Diagnosis_and_Management_of_Diabetes_Mellitus
Just a moment... (n.d.). Just a
moment... https://www.researchgate.net/publication/270283336_Diabetes_mellitus