La diabetes mellitus (DM) es un conjunto de trastornos metabólicos, cuya característica común principal es la presencia de concentraciones elevadas de glucosa en la sangre de manera persistente o crónica, debido ya sea a un defecto en la producción de insulina, a una resistencia a la acción de ella para utilizar la glucosa, a un aumento en la producción de glucosa o a una combinación de estas causas. También se acompaña de anormalidades en el metabolismo de los lípidos, proteínas, sales minerales y electrolitos. La diabetes se asocia con la aparición de complicaciones en muchos sistemas orgánicos, siendo los más evidentes la pérdida de la visión que puede llegar a la ceguera, el compromiso de los riñones que pueden llegar a fallar totalmente, requiriendo diálisis y trasplante, el compromiso de vasos sanguíneos que pueden significar la pérdida de extremidades inferiores, el compromiso del corazón con enfermedad coronaria e infarto agudo de miocardio, el compromiso cerebral y de la irrigación intestinal; sin embargo, las complicaciones más prevalentes afectan al sistema nervioso periférico y autónomo. Todo esto significa una carga muy pesada para el paciente que la padece y para todo el sistema de salud pública. Los síntomas principales de la diabetes mellitus son la emisión excesiva de orina (poliuria), el aumento anormal de la necesidad de comer (polifagia), el incremento de la sed (polidipsia) y la pérdida de peso sin razón aparente. En ocasiones se toma como referencia estos tres síntomas (poliuria, polifagia y polidipsia o regla de las 3 P) para poder sospechar diabetes tipo 2 ya que en su mayoría son los más comunes en la población.

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Diabetes mellitus (DM), commonly referred to as diabetes, is a group of metabolic diseases in which there are high blood sugar levels over a prolonged period. Symptoms of high blood sugar include frequent urination, increased thirst, and increased hunger. If left untreated, diabetes can cause many complications. Acute complications can include diabetic ketoacidosis, nonketotic hyperosmolar coma, or death. Serious long-term complications include heart disease, stroke, chronic kidney failure, foot ulcers, and damage to the eyes. Diabetes is due to either the pancreas not producing enough insulin or the cells of the body not responding properly to the insulin produced. There are three main types of diabetes mellitus: \n* Type 1 DM results from the pancreas's failure to produce enough insulin. This form was previously referred to as "insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus" (IDDM) or "juvenile diabetes". The cause is unknown. \n* Type 2 DM begins with insulin resistance, a condition in which cells fail to respond to insulin properly. As the disease progresses a lack of insulin may also develop. This form was previously referred to as "non insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus" (NIDDM) or "adult-onset diabetes". The primary cause is excessive body weight and not enough exercise. \n* Gestational diabetes is the third main form and occurs when pregnant women without a previous history of diabetes develop high blood-sugar levels. Prevention and treatment involve maintaining a healthy diet, regular physical exercise, a normal body weight, and avoiding use of tobacco. Control of blood pressure and maintaining proper foot care are important for people with the disease. Type 1 DM must be managed with insulin injections. Type 2 DM may be treated with medications with or without insulin. Insulin and some oral medications can cause low blood sugar. Weight loss surgery in those with obesity is sometimes an effective measure in those with type 2 DM. Gestational diabetes usually resolves after the birth of the baby. As of 2015, an estimated 415 million people had diabetes worldwide, with type 2 DM making up about 90% of the cases. This represents 8.3% of the adult population, with equal rates in both women and men. As of 2014, trends suggested the rate would continue to rise. Diabetes at least doubles a person's risk of early death. From 2012 to 2015, approximately 1.5 to 5.0 million deaths each year resulted from diabetes. The global economic cost of diabetes in 2014 was estimated to be US$612 billion. In the United States, diabetes cost $245 billion in 2012.

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