In 1959, Diabetes types I & II were identified as separate categories. Diabetes Mellitus received its name during the Greek period when it was referred to as "dypsacus"; "mellitus" was later added to distinguish it from diabetes insipidus. "Mellitus" was used, since its meaning was "honey" referring to the sweetness of the urine in diabetics. In Greek times there were actual "diabetes mellitus testers" who would taste the urine to verify the sweetness, indicating a positive test result (Canadian Diabetic Association). Overtime, testing methods have become more accurate and sophisticated in determining the presence and progression of the disease.
Although an exact cause for type II diabetes is unknown, a genetic-environment interaction is believed to be responsible. The primary group who is affected are those over the age of 40, the majority of who are also obese. The World Health Organization estimates that the number of persons with diabetes will, by the year 2025, reach 300 million. In 1995, diabetes was the seventh leading cause of death listed on U.S. death certificates. In 1999, 450,000 diabetics died representing 19% of all deaths in the U.S. making it the sixth leading cause of death listed on 68,399 U.S. death certificates; and an additional 141,265 death certificates had diabetes listed as a contributing cause of death and it is estimated that only 10% to 15% of total deaths related to diabetes are listed as the underlying cause of death on certificates. .
The progression of developing type II diabetes can be broken down into 3 .
different stages (American Diabetes Association On-line, 2002).
First Stage: .
The insulin can attach normally to receptors on liver and muscle cells; however, certain mechanisms prevent insulin from moving glucose into these cells where it can be used for energy. This is a result of a condition called insulin resistance. Most patients exhibit normal and even high amounts of insulin in the early stages and are usually able to overcome such resistance.