Final answer:
Diabetes mellitus involves dysfunction of insulin production or action. Type 1 diabetes results from autoimmune destruction of beta cells, necessitating insulin replacement. Type 2 diabetes arises from insulin resistance and may be managed with lifestyle changes and medication.
Step-by-step explanation:
Diabetes mellitus is a condition that manifests when there is a problem with the pancreas, particularly with the production, secretion, and function of insulin. Insulin is a crucial hormone required to regulate blood glucose levels. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the pancreas cannot make sufficient insulin, and patients must rely on insulin administration. On the other hand, Type 2 diabetes is more common and is characterized by the body's cells becoming resistant to insulin. Though the pancreas may produce insulin, the cells do not respond adequately, leading to elevated blood glucose levels.
Common symptoms of diabetes mellitus include excessive urination and thirst due to the kidneys' attempt to expel excess glucose. Type 1 diabetes often develops during childhood or adolescence, while Type 2 typically emerges in adulthood, although it is increasingly seen in younger populations due to lifestyle factors such as diet and obesity. Treatment strategies for diabetes mellitus vary based on the type and severity of the condition, encompassing lifestyle modifications, and may include medications that enhance pancreatic function or insulin therapy.