Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases characterized by a common clinical feature: increased blood glucose concentration. The cause of this increase can be either insufficient insulin production or an alteration in its functioning. Diabetes is divided into two main subtypes: Type 1 diabetes (which manifests in children) is primarily related to insulin deficiency, while Type 2 diabetes, much more common, is associated with insulin resistance and overweight. The main factors contributing to the development of diabetes in the adult population include: overweight, inadequate diet, and lack of physical activity. The risk of developing Type 2 diabetes increases with age. In the United States, in 2007, diabetes affected 2.6% of individuals aged 20 to 39 and a significant 23.8% of those over 60.
In the treatment of Type 1 diabetes, insulin-based preparations are the drugs of choice, while in Type 2 diabetes, oral antidiabetic medications are used, including: sulfonylurea derivatives (which include Gliclazide produced by Molteni Farmaceutici, available under the commercial name Diabrezide), biguanides, meglitinide derivatives, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, thiazolidinediones, and medications with an action mechanism based on incretin effects. Properly managed diabetes allows patients to live long without significant complications, while uncontrolled diabetes leads to the development of pathological changes affecting various organs, including: the cardiovascular system, peripheral nerves, urogenital system, eyes, skin and its appendages, and many others.
In the 21st century, diabetes is a social disease, and its proper treatment represents one of the main challenges of modern medicine.
