Final answer:
Diabetes mellitus is a condition where the pancreas produces insufficient insulin or the body is insulin-resistant, leading to high blood glucose levels. Symptoms include frequent urination, excessive thirst, persistent hunger, and fatigue. Without management, diabetes can lead to severe health complications.
Step-by-step explanation:
Diabetes mellitus is a disease characterized by the pancreas’ inability to produce sufficient insulin or the body's reduced sensitivity to insulin, leading to high levels of blood glucose, a condition known as hyperglycemia. Symptoms of diabetes include frequent urination, excessive thirst, feeling very hungry despite eating, and extreme fatigue. Over time, uncontrolled high blood glucose can damage various organs and systems in the body, leading to serious health complications such as diabetic neuropathy, cardiovascular disease, and kidney damage.
Patients with type 2 diabetes may initially manage their condition through lifestyle changes like diet and exercise, but some may require medication or insulin therapy. It is essential to monitor blood glucose levels regularly to prevent complications. Two early signs of diabetes, excessive urination and thirst, are due to the kidneys' response to elevated blood glucose levels, pulling more water into the urine and causing dehydration.