ABSTRACT
There are essentially two types of diabetes: diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus. Diabetes insipidus is a disorder where there may be a deficiency of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) or failure of the renal tubules to respond to ADH, resulting in polyuria and potential dehydration and hypovolaemia. Persistent severe diabetes insipidus is rare. Diabetes mellitus is an endocrine problem resulting in disorders of carbohydrate, fat and protein metabolism due to a deficiency in the secretion of insulin. Type 1 diabetes refers to the absence or inadequate production of insulin. Insulin is required to enable the uptake of glucose in the cells. Type 2 diabetes usually occurs in older, often overweight, individuals. It is normally treated through diet, weight control and exercise, sometimes with oral hypoglycaemic medication.
