Definition and classification of diabetes.

Diabetes mellitus is a state of absolute or relative insulin deficiency leading to hyperglycemia and profound changes in the body lipids and proteins. The World Health Organisation (WHO) classification of diabetes distinguishes between: insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and malnutrition related diabetes mellitus (MRDM). In childhood the overwhelming majority is due to an autoimmune betacell disease leading to IDDM.