diabetes mellitus

a complex metabolic disorder involving carbohydrate, fat and protein. It results in an accumulation of sugar in the blood and urine and is the result of a lack of INSULIN produced by the pancreas, so that sugars are not broken down to release energy. Fats are thus used as an alternative energy source. Symptoms include thrist, POLYURIA and loss of weight, and the use of fats can produce KETOSIS and KETONURIA . In its severest form, convulsions are followed by a diabetic coma. Treatment relies on dietary control with doses of insulin or drugs. Long-term effects include thickening of the arteries, and in some cases, the eyes, kidneys, nervous system, skin and circulation may be affected (see also HYPOGLYCAEMIA and HYPERGLYCAEMIA ).