Diabetes mellitus is a condition in which the pancreas either cannot produce or adequately utilize insulin, the hormone that breaks down digested sugars.
Diabetes may be:
- Type 1: also known as insulin dependent or juvenile diabetes
- Type 2: also known as adult onset diabetes
Another condition, called impaired glucose tolerance, causes the body to produce large amounts of insulin to maintain glucose balance.
Diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance are risk factors for coronary artery disease and other diseases of the blood vessels. The Health Information handouts were produced by the Cleveland Clinic Health Information Center.
Resource: Keeping the Heart Healthy, In (E. Topol, ed.) Cleveland Clinic Heart Book* , Hyperion: New York. pp.19-43
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