• Understand the principles behind the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus

Usually treatment between T1DM and T2DM differs, due to different pathophysiologies. however at end stage badly controlled T2DM sometimes insulin may be required.

T1DM - lack of insulin production due to failure of beta cells, therefore insulin is perscribed and is taken throughout the day dependant on monitoring of blood glucose levels.

T2DM - firstly treatment is through personal changes such as changing diet and lifestyle factors and this can often lead to remission of the T2DM. otherwise medications such as metformin are used.

• Summarise the guidelines for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus

HbA1c which measures glycation of RBCs over a period of 120 days (their life cycle)

can be used to aid in diagnosis of diabetes