Diabetes mellitus (DM), or simply diabetes, is a chronic health condition in which the body fails to produce the required amount of insulin or responds inadequately to insulin secreted by the pancreas. The three main types of diabetes are: types 1 and 2 diabetes and, in some pregnancies, gestational diabetes. The cliché for all three types of diabetes is a high blood glucose level, or hyperglycemia. The pathophysiology of all types of diabetes mellitus is related to the hormone insulin, which is secreted by the beta cells of the pancreas. This hormone is responsible for maintaining an optimal blood glucose level. It allows the body's cells to use glucose as their main source of energy. Due to abnormal insulin metabolism, in a diabetic person, the body's cells and tissues cannot use the glucose in the blood, resulting in increased blood glucose levels or hyperglycemia. Over time, high blood glucose can lead to serious complications, such as eye problems, cardiovascular disease, kidney damage, and nerve destruction. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas is unable to produce the amount of insulin the body needs. The pathophysiology of type 1 diabetes suggests that it is an autoimmune disease, in which the body's immune system generates secretions of substances that attack the beta cells of the pancreas leading to low or no insulin secretion. This is most common in children and young adults before the age of thirty. Type 1 is also referred to as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or juvenile diabetes and exogenous insulin is required for its treatment. In type 2 diabetes mellitus we find insulin resistance with various degrees of defects in insulin secretion and it is more common...... middle of paper...... I recommend wearing comfortable shoes, preferably leather, and not walk barefoot. Maintaining the right weight and exercising regularly is essential. Early and correct diagnosis of the type of diabetes is necessary to prevent serious health complications. Reference List Bernstein, R. (2007). Dr. Bernstein's Diabetes Solution, New York, Little, Brown, & CompanyBecker, G. (2011). Type 2 Diabetes, New York, Marlowe & CompanyKhardori, R. (2011). Type 1 diabetes mellitus. Retrieved from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/117739-overview Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/type-1-diabetes/DS00329/DSECTION=ca1998-2012 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). By Mayo Clinic staffSilvestri, L. (2010). Complete review for the nclex-pnSaunders exam; 4th edition Linda Anne Silvestri (March 5, 2009)