The pathophysiology of diabetes is characterized by the body’s ability to produce or use the insulin hormone to metabolize carbohydrates, specifically blood glucose. To understand diabetes pathophysiology, it is important to understand the different types of diabetes mellitus.

There are three specific types of diabetes that we will address. These are type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. Each of these conditions is caused by hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) due to problems with insulin production or insulin absorption.

Diabetes Mellitus Pathophysiology

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (insulin dependant/juvenile onset diabetes) is caused when the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin to properly metabolize blood sugar. The insulin hormone allows the fat cells and muscle cells in the body to absorb glucose and utilize it as fuel (energy). When the pancreas does not produce the insulin needed for this process, the levels of glucose in the blood …