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> Diabetes mellitus
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Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that is characterised by disturbances to the carbohydrate metabolism and high glycaemic and glycosuric values. About 1-2% of the population have diabetes, and the sequelae can include damage to several organs (for example, the
kidneys, eyes, heart, vascular system, etc), and also a deterioration in the
blood supply to the penis. If the condition is treated appropriately, such problems can often be
avoided.
Diabetes occurs in two distinct forms:
 | Type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes, IDDM, formerly called juvenile diabetes, which affects children and adolescents. It is categorised as an autoimmune disease, with sudden onset and rapid changes to other organ systems. This type affects 10-15% of
patients. |
| Type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes, NIDDM, also known as adult onset diabetes, which affects mainly patients aged over 40 and progresses slowly. It is not always accompanied by clinical symptoms but can be diagnosed on the basis of high glycaemic and glycosuric concentrations. |
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