<h4>Understanding Diabetes Mellitus (DM)</h4><p><strong>Diabetes</strong>, also known as <strong>Diabetes Mellitus (DM)</strong>, is a prevalent medical condition characterized by the body's inability to effectively manage <strong>blood sugar (glucose) levels</strong>.</p><p>This disorder stems from two primary issues: either the body produces an <strong>insufficient amount of insulin</strong>, or it exhibits an <strong>abnormal response to the insulin</strong> it produces.</p><div class='key-point-box'><p>The core problem in <strong>Diabetes Mellitus</strong> is the dysregulation of <strong>blood glucose</strong>, leading to persistently high levels in the bloodstream. <strong>Insulin</strong> is the crucial hormone responsible for allowing glucose to enter cells for energy.</p></div><h4>Blood Glucose Level Classifications</h4><p>To diagnose and categorize an individual's glucose metabolism, specific <strong>blood glucose level</strong> thresholds are used, particularly for <strong>fasting blood glucose</strong> measurements.</p><p>These levels help differentiate between a normal state, a pre-diabetic condition, and confirmed diabetes.</p><div class='info-box'><ul><li><strong>Normal Fasting Blood Glucose:</strong> Levels between <strong>70–110 mg/dL</strong> are considered healthy.</li><li><strong>Prediabetes:</strong> Blood glucose levels ranging from <strong>100 mg/dL to 125 mg/dL</strong> indicate prediabetes, a warning stage.</li><li><strong>Diabetes:</strong> A fasting blood glucose level of <strong>126 mg/dL or higher</strong> is officially diagnosed as diabetes.</li></ul></div><div class='exam-tip-box'><p>For <strong>UPSC Prelims</strong>, remember the exact numerical ranges for <strong>normal</strong>, <strong>prediabetes</strong>, and <strong>diabetes</strong>. For <strong>UPSC Mains</strong>, understand the underlying mechanisms of <strong>insulin insufficiency</strong> and <strong>abnormal insulin response</strong>.</p></div>