Diabetes
The original medical condition for which GLP-1 drugs were developed. Eli Lilly's first GLP-1 drug was a twice-a-day injection for diabetes launched in 2006.
First Mentioned
9/29/2025, 5:01:45 AM
Last Updated
9/29/2025, 5:07:24 AM
Research Retrieved
9/29/2025, 5:07:24 AM
Summary
Diabetes mellitus is a group of chronic metabolic disorders characterized by persistently high blood sugar levels, stemming from either insufficient insulin production by the pancreas or the body's cells becoming resistant to insulin. This condition, which manifests with symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination, and weight loss, can lead to severe complications affecting the cardiovascular system, eyes, kidneys, and nerves if left untreated, and is the seventh leading cause of death globally, accounting for approximately 4.2 million deaths annually. The three primary types are Type 1 (an autoimmune condition requiring insulin replacement), Type 2 (characterized by insulin resistance, often linked to obesity and lack of exercise, and comprising over 95% of cases), and Gestational diabetes (arising during pregnancy). The global prevalence has dramatically increased from 200 million in 1990 to 830 million by 2022, affecting one in seven adults, with an estimated annual healthcare expenditure of US$760 billion. Treatment approaches vary, from insulin replacement for Type 1 to lifestyle changes and anti-diabetic medications like metformin and semaglutide for Type 2. Recent advancements, particularly GLP-1 drugs such as Tirzepatide, initially developed for diabetes, have shown significant success in weight loss and obesity management, with ongoing research exploring their potential in treating addictions and mental health conditions.
Referenced in 1 Document
Research Data
Extracted Attributes
Type
Metabolic disorder
Major Types
Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, Gestational diabetes
Classic Symptoms
Excessive thirst (polydipsia), frequent urination (polyuria), increased hunger (polyphagia), weight loss, blurred vision
Common Treatments
Insulin replacement therapy (Type 1), lifestyle modifications (Type 2), anti-diabetic medications (metformin, semaglutide), weight loss surgery (Type 2), GLP-1 drugs (Tirzepatide)
Underlying Causes
Pancreas not producing enough insulin; Body's cells resistant to insulin's effects
Global Deaths Annually
Approximately 4.2 million
Primary Characteristic
Persistently high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia)
Associated Complications
Cardiovascular disease, eye damage, kidney damage, nerve damage, stroke, chronic kidney disease, foot ulcers, cognitive impairment, skin and mouth conditions, hearing impairment, Alzheimer's disease, depression
Global Prevalence (1990)
200 million people
Global Prevalence (2022)
830 million people
Type 1 Diabetes Description
Autoimmune condition where the body's immune system attacks insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas; typically develops early in life; requires daily insulin administration
Type 2 Diabetes Description
Begins with insulin resistance; often progresses to insufficient insulin production; primarily caused by excess body weight and insufficient exercise; accounts for over 95% of cases
Global Leading Cause of Death
7th
Adult Population Affected (2022)
One in seven adults
Gestational Diabetes Description
Arises during pregnancy in women without a previous history of diabetes; usually resolves after childbirth; increases risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life
Potential Future GLP-1 Applications
Curbing addictions, treating mental health conditions
Global Healthcare Expenditure Annually
US$760 billion
Timeline
- Global prevalence of diabetes reached 200 million people. (Source: Summary, Wikipedia)
1990-01-01
- Approximately 9 million people globally had Type 1 diabetes. The global economic cost of diabetes-related healthcare was estimated at US$727 billion. (Source: WHO, DBPedia)
2017-01-01
- An estimated 463 million people had diabetes worldwide. In the U.S., 37.3 million people had diabetes, and 96 million adults had prediabetes. (Source: DBPedia, NIDDK)
2019-01-01
- Global prevalence of diabetes reached 830 million people, affecting one in seven adults. (Source: Summary, Wikipedia)
2022-01-01
- Tirzepatide, a GLP-1 drug used for diabetes, surpassed Keytruda as the world's top-selling drug in Q2 (approximate end of Q2 2023). (Source: Related Documents)
2023-06-30
Wikipedia
View on WikipediaDiabetes
Diabetes mellitus, commonly known as diabetes, is a group of common endocrine diseases characterized by sustained high blood sugar levels. Diabetes is due to either the pancreas not producing enough of the hormone insulin, or the cells of the body becoming unresponsive to insulin's effects. Classic symptoms include the three Ps: polydipsia (excessive thirst), polyuria (excessive urination), polyphagia (excessive hunger), weight loss, and blurred vision. If left untreated, the disease can lead to various health complications, including disorders of the cardiovascular system, eye, kidney, and nerves. Diabetes accounts for approximately 4.2 million deaths every year, with an estimated 1.5 million caused by either untreated or poorly treated diabetes. The major types of diabetes are type 1 and type 2. The most common treatment for type 1 is insulin replacement therapy (insulin injections), while anti-diabetic medications (such as metformin and semaglutide) and lifestyle modifications can be used to manage type 2. Gestational diabetes, a form that sometimes arises during pregnancy, normally resolves shortly after delivery. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system attacks the beta cells (β-cell) in the pancreas, preventing the production of insulin. This condition is typically present from birth or develops early in life. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body becomes resistant to insulin, meaning the cells do not respond effectively to it, and thus, glucose remains in the bloodstream instead of being absorbed by the cells. Additionally, diabetes can also result from other specific causes, such as genetic conditions (monogenic diabetes syndromes like neonatal diabetes and maturity-onset diabetes of the young), diseases affecting the pancreas (such as pancreatitis), or the use of certain medications and chemicals (such as glucocorticoids, other specific drugs and after organ transplantation). The number of people diagnosed as living with diabetes has increased sharply in recent decades, from 200 million in 1990 to 830 million by 2022. It affects one in seven of the adult population, with type 2 diabetes accounting for more than 95% of cases. These numbers have already risen beyond earlier projections of 783 million adults by 2045. The prevalence of the disease continues to increase, most dramatically in low- and middle-income nations. Rates are similar in women and men, with diabetes being the seventh leading cause of death globally. The global expenditure on diabetes-related healthcare is an estimated US$760 billion a year.
Web Search Results
- What Is Diabetes? - NIDDK
Diabetes is a disease that occurs when your blood glucose, also called blood sugar, is too high. Glucose is your body’s main source of energy. Your body can make glucose, but glucose also comes from the food you eat. Insulin is a hormonemade by the pancreasthat helps glucose get into your cells to be used for energy. If you have diabetes, your body doesn’t make enough—or any—insulin, or doesn’t use insulin properly. Glucose then stays in your blood and doesn’t reach your cells. [...] As of 2019, 37.3 million people—or 11.3% of the U.S. population—had diabetes.1 More than 1 in 4 people over the age of 65 had diabetes. Nearly 1 in 4 adults with diabetes didn’t know they had the disease.2 About 90% to 95% of diabetes cases are type 2 diabetes.3 In 2019, 96 million adults—38% of U.S. adults—had prediabetes.4 What other health problems can people with diabetes develop? [...] Diabetes raises the risk for damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart. Diabetes is also linked to some types of cancer. Taking steps to prevent or manage diabetes may lower your risk of developing diabetes health problems.
- Diabetes - World Health Organization (WHO)
Diabetes is a chronic disease that occurs either when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose. Hyperglycaemia, also called raised blood glucose or raised blood sugar, is a common effect of uncontrolled diabetes and over time leads to serious damage to many of the body's systems, especially the nerves and blood vessels. [...] Type 1 diabetes (previously known as insulin-dependent, juvenile or childhood-onset) is characterized by deficient insulin production and requires daily administration of insulin. In 2017 there were 9 million people with type 1 diabetes; the majority of them live in high-income countries.Neither its cause nor the means to prevent it are known. Type 2 diabetes [...] Type 2 diabetes affects how your body uses sugar (glucose) for energy. It stops the body from using insulin properly, which can lead to high levels of blood sugar if not treated. Over time, type 2 diabetes can cause serious damage to the body, especially nerves and blood vessels. Type 2 diabetes is often preventable. Factors that contribute to developing type 2 diabetes include being overweight, not getting enough exercise, and genetics.
- Diabetes: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment & Types
Diabetes is a condition that happens when your blood sugar (glucose) is too high. It develops when your pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or any at all, or when your body isn’t responding to the effects of insulin properly. Diabetes affects people of all ages. Most forms of diabetes are chronic (lifelong), and all forms are manageable with medications and/or lifestyle changes. Advertisement [...] Abu Dhabi|Canada|Florida|London|Nevada|Ohio| Home/ Health Library/ Diseases & Conditions/ Diabetes AdvertisementAdvertisement # Diabetes Diabetes is a common condition that affects people of all ages. There are several forms of diabetes. Type 2 is the most common. A combination of treatment strategies can help you manage the condition to live a healthy life and prevent complications. [...] In the United States, diabetes is the eighth leading cause of death. A large number of people with diabetes will die from a heart attack or stroke. However, it’s important to know that you can live a healthy life with diabetes. The following are key to a better prognosis: Lifestyle changes. Regular exercise. Dietary changes. Regular blood sugar monitoring.
- What is Diabetes? | American Heart Association
Skip to main content # What is Diabetes? Diabetes, also called diabetes mellitus, is a condition that causes blood sugar to rise. Diabetes is diagnosed based on a fasting blood glucose (sugar) level of 126 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or higher. ## How diabetes develops [...] Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. Type 2 diabetes has historically been diagnosed primarily in adults. But adolescents and young adults are developing Type 2 diabetes at an alarming rate because of family history and higher rates of obesity and physical inactivity. This type of diabetes can occur when the body develops “insulin resistance” and can’t efficiently use the insulin it makes. As Type 2 diabetes progresses, the insulin producing ability of the pancreas decreases.
- Diabetes - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic
Diabetes mellitus refers to a group of diseases that affect how the body uses blood sugar (glucose). Glucose is an important source of energy for the cells that make up the muscles and tissues. It's also the brain's main source of fuel. The main cause of diabetes varies by type. But no matter what type of diabetes you have, it can lead to excess sugar in the blood. Too much sugar in the blood can lead to serious health problems. [...] Heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) disease. Diabetes majorly increases the risk of many heart problems. These can include coronary artery disease with chest pain (angina), heart attack, stroke and narrowing of arteries (atherosclerosis). If you have diabetes, you're more likely to have heart disease or stroke. [...] Skin and mouth conditions. Diabetes may leave you more prone to skin problems, including bacterial and fungal infections. Hearing impairment. Hearing problems are more common in people with diabetes. Alzheimer's disease. Type 2 diabetes may increase the risk of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease. Depression related to diabetes. Depression symptoms are common in people with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Wikidata
View on WikidataInstance Of
Inception Date
1/1/1952
DBPedia
View on DBPediaDiabetes, also known as diabetes mellitus, is a group of metabolic disorders characterized by a high blood sugar level (hyperglycemia) over a prolonged period of time. Symptoms often include frequent urination, increased thirst and increased appetite. If left untreated, diabetes can cause many health complications. Acute complications can include diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, or death. Serious long-term complications include cardiovascular disease, stroke, chronic kidney disease, foot ulcers, damage to the nerves, damage to the eyes, and cognitive impairment. Diabetes is due to either the pancreas not producing enough insulin, or the cells of the body not responding properly to the insulin produced. Insulin is a hormone which is responsible for helping glucose from food get into cells to be used for energy. There are three main types of diabetes mellitus: * Type 1 diabetes results from failure of the pancreas to produce enough insulin due to loss of beta cells. This form was previously referred to as "insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus" or "juvenile diabetes". The loss of beta cells is caused by an autoimmune response. The cause of this autoimmune response is unknown. Although Type 1 diabetes usually appears during childhood or adolescence, it can also develop in adults. * Type 2 diabetes begins with insulin resistance, a condition in which cells fail to respond to insulin properly. As the disease progresses, a lack of insulin may also develop. This form was previously referred to as "non insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus" or "adult-onset diabetes". Type 2 diabetes is more common in older adults, but a significant increase in the prevalence of obesity among children has led to more cases of type 2 diabetes in younger people. The most common cause is a combination of excessive body weight and insufficient exercise. * Gestational diabetes is the third main form, and occurs when pregnant women without a previous history of diabetes develop high blood sugar levels. In women with gestational diabetes, blood sugar usually returns to normal soon after delivery. However, women who had gestational diabetes during pregnancy have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. Type 1 diabetes must be managed with insulin injections. Prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes involves maintaining a healthy diet, regular physical exercise, a normal body weight, and avoiding use of tobacco. Type 2 diabetes may be treated with oral antidiabetic medications, with or without insulin. Control of blood pressure and maintaining proper foot and eye care are important for people with the disease. Insulin and some oral medications can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Weight loss surgery in those with obesity is sometimes an effective measure in those with type 2 diabetes. Gestational diabetes usually resolves after the birth of the baby. As of 2019, an estimated 463 million people had diabetes worldwide (8.8% of the adult population), with type 2 diabetes making up about 90% of the cases. Rates are similar in women and men. Trends suggest that rates will continue to rise. Diabetes at least doubles a person's risk of early death. In 2019, diabetes resulted in approximately 4.2 million deaths. It is the 7th leading cause of death globally. The global economic cost of diabetes-related health expenditure in 2017 was estimated at US$727 billion. In the United States, diabetes cost nearly US$327 billion in 2017. Average medical expenditures among people with diabetes are about 2.3 times higher.
Location Data
Joslin Diabetes Center, 1, Joslin Place, Longwood Medical and Academic Area, Boston, Suffolk County, Massachusetts, 02215, United States
Coordinates: 42.3388283, -71.1082046
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