En EspanolTalking Glossary of Genetic Terms
Francis S. Collins, M.D., Ph.D. defines Diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus)
Diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus)
day uh BEE tis MEL it tus
Diabetes mellitus is a disease characterized by an inability to make or use the hormone insulin. Insulin is needed by cells to metabolize glucose, the body's main source of chemical energy. Type I diabetes, also called insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, is usually caused by an autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing cells. Type II diabetes, also called non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, occurs when cells become resistant to the effects of insulin.
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