A DESCRIPTIVE STUDY OF DIABETES MELLITUS AMONG SCHOOL CHILDREN ATTENDING HEALTH INSURANCE CLINIC

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus is a common chronic metabolic syndrome characterized by hyperglycemia as a cardinal biochemical feature. It's a serious, debilitating disease, with life-threatening complications, in addition to its health provision and resource implications. The most easily recognized symptoms of D.M are polyuria, polydepsia, weight loss and non specific malaise. The major forms of diabetes are classified according to those caused by deficiency of insulin secretion due to pancreatic β-cell damage (type 1 DM) and those that are a consequence of insulin resistance occurring at the level of skeletal muscle, liver, and adipose tissue, with various degrees of β-cell impairment (type 2 DM). The incidence of DM increased worldwide in the closing decades of the 20th century. Screening of high-risk patients for diabetes and prediabetes is important. Prompt diagnosis and accurate diabetes classification facilitate appropriate and timely treatment and may reduce the risk for complications. This is especially important in children because lifestyle interventions may be successful and the lifelong risk for complications is greatest.