Abstract

Diabetes is a life-long disease marked by elevated levels of sugar in the blood. It is the second leading cause of blindness and renal disease worldwide. Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease caused by inherited and/or acquired deficiency in production of insulin by the pancreas, or by ineffectiveness of the insulin produced. It is a silent killer disease and affects millions of peoples in the world. This article focuses on the causes, types, factors affecting DM, incidences, preventive measures and treatment of the acute and chronic complications of diabetes other than those directly associated with hypoglycemia and severe metabolic disturbances.

Key word: Diabetes mellitus, types, symptoms, causes, treatments.