diabetes mellitus

Last reviewed 10/2023

Diabetes mellitus is a heterogeneous collection of disorders unified by a state of diminished insulin action which may result from:

  • decreased insulin secretion
  • a reduction in the effectiveness of secreted insulin
  • a combination of the above

Diabetes mellitus, irrespective of its aetiology, is characterised by hyperglycaemia and is defined in terms of plasma glucose levels.