Diabetes Mellitus

BIRTH DEFECTS
DIABETES MELLITUS


There are hundreds of different kinds of birth defects, and diabetes mellitus is one of the most common birth defects that exists. Not all birth defects are apparent at birth but diabetes can be detected at a very young age and sometimes even in utero. In the past, little could be done to improve the chances of having a healthy baby. Today, organizations continually fund research into the cause, prevention, and treatment of all types of birth defects. Diabetes affects more than 100 million people worldwide, and it is among the most common causes of death and disability in North America and Europe. It is such a common disease that is taken lightly by many people, but ultimately leads to serious complications over time. Diabetes mellitus is a disease where the body’s cells cannot use glucose properly for lack of or resistance to the hormone insulin, produced by the pancreas (The Complete Canadian Health Guide, p459). The three distinct ...