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WHAT IS DIABETES
Diabetes mellitus, commonly known as diabetes, is a group of metabolic disorders
characterized by a high blood sugar level over a prolonged period of time.
If left untreated, diabetes can cause many health complications.
Acute complications can include diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, or
death.
Serious long-term complications include cardiovascular disease, stroke, chronic kidney
disease, foot ulcers, damage to the nerves, damage to the eyes and cognitive impairment.
Diabetes is due to either the pancreas not producing enough insulin, or the cells of the body
not responding properly to the insulin produced.
There are three main types of diabetes mellitus.