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Diabetes mellitus is actually the name given to a group of diseases that are characterized by high blood sugar levels in your body. These blood sugar, or glucose, levels must be maintained within a certain range, or your body can be adversely affected.

The actual condition is caused by deficiencies in either the secretion of insulin from the pancreas or its action throughout the body. Insulin is a hormone that allows body cells to absorb and store glucose, which converts to instant energy. If the body becomes deficient in insulin, the body may succumb to one of several forms of diabetes mellitus. Cells have difficulty absorbing glucose, which then builds up first in the blood supply and then urine. Since those affected must urinate frequently, the water-solute balance in the body is altered. Sufferers grow increasingly thirsty. Without glucose, body cells will then begin to deplete other valuable sources of fat and proteins as alternate energy sources. Sometimes rapid weight loss is the outcome, as is ketone accumulation within the blood and urine. Such a condition can result in what is called ketoacidosis, which affect the acid-base balance and can interfere with normal brain function.

It is important to know about diabetes mellitus in order to prevent or slow its onslaught. Diabetes mellitus can lead to kidney failure, blindness and nerve damage. Diabetes is one of the major causes of strokes and coronary heart disease. This disease affects almost 8% of the American population, while another 6 million people may have the disease and not even be aware of it. Costs of battling diabetes mellitus are rising at alarming rates, with billions of dollars spent every year in treatment and drugs to fight symptoms, in addition to hospital stays and physician's visits. Diabetes mellitus is the third leading cause of death in the United States, only after heart disease and cancer.

Genetics is a factor in whether or not you're apt to develop diabetes mellitus, as is your ethnic background. African Americans and Native Americans have higher prevalence for acquiring the disease than Caucasians. Birth weight can also be a factor, and the lower the birthrate, the higher your chance of acquiring Type 2 diabetes. By far, however, the greatest contributor to acquiring diabetes mellitus is obesity. American's today are growing heavier than they've ever been before, which is a reason why diabetes mellitus is on the rise.

While diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition, it can be controlled through careful diet and exercise programs. Blood glucose monitors used daily can keep the disease under control for those instructed to inject insulin. For those diagnosed as borderline, maintaining a normal weight and diet are vital to prevent the disease from growing worse. Obesity is one of the most common causes of diabetes, so watching fat and sugar intake goes a long way toward prevention. While diabetes mellitus can also be inherited, careful diet and maintaining a healthy life style can slow its onset.