ABSTRACT
Diabetes mellitus is a disorder characterised by hyperglycaemia as a consequence of some degree of insulin lack. Type 1 diabetes mellitus is thought to be an autoimmune disease resulting in the destruction of the beta pancreatic cells, which are responsible for the production of insulin. Sulphonylureas acts by stimulating the beta cells of the pancreas to produce more insulin. Gliclazide is a sulphonylurea. Metformin is effective only if some insulin is produced. Oral glucose tolerance test measures the patient's ability to stabilise their blood sugar after taking a quantity of glucose. Acarbose is the only alpha-glucosidase inhibitor available in the UK. Unlike in type 1 diabetes, which is associated with absolute insulin deficiency, people with type 2 diabetes have some insulin deficiency. Diet is considered to be vital in the management of diabetes. Hypothyroidism is a condition with a gradual onset, and so it is easily missed by the patient.
