Pancreatic delta cells (δ–cells) secrete the hormone somatostatin (SST). δ–cells are also present in the hypothalamus, central nervous system (CNS), peripheral neurons and the gastrointestinal tract.

Unit 3,

Reference: Brereton MF, Vergari E, Zhang Q, Clark A. Alpha-, Delta- and PP-cells: Are They the Architectural Cornerstones of Islet Structure and Co-ordination?. J Histochem Cytochem. 2015;63(8):575-591.

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterised by elevated blood glucose levels, resulting from the body's inability to effectively produce or utilise insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar. Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases characterised by hyperglycaemia resulting from defects in insulin secretion, insulin action, or both.

Unit 1,

Reference: Diabetes Care. 2011 Jan; 34(Suppl 1): S62–S69. 

Diabetic autonomic neuropathy (DAN) is a form of nerve damage that affects the autonomic nervous system in individuals with diabetes mellitus. The autonomic nervous system regulates involuntary bodily functions, including heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and other processes. Prolonged high blood sugar levels in diabetes can lead to damage of the nerves, and when this affects the autonomic nerves, it results in diabetic autonomic neuropathy.

Unit 7,

Reference: Sasaki H, Kawamura N, Dyck PJ, Dyck PJB, Kihara M, Low PA. Spectrum of diabetic neuropathies. Diabetol Int. 2020;11(2):87-96. Published 2020 Jan 8.

Diabetic foot syndrome refers to a group of conditions that affect the feet of individuals with diabetes. These conditions often result from a combination of peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage) and poor blood circulation.

Unit 7,

Reference: Oxford Concise Medical Dictionary (9th ed) Oxford University Press 2015 ISBN-13: 9780199687817, p1321

Diabetic macular oedema (DMO) is a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes. A type of diabetic retinopathy. It occurs when there is swelling (oedema) in the macula, which is the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, central vision. DMO is a common cause of vision loss in individuals with diabetes and is considered a type of diabetic retinopathy.

This is referred to as DME in American English (edema). 

Unit 7,

Reference: Browning DJ, Stewart MW, Lee C. Diabetic macular edema: Evidence-based management. Indian J Ophthalmol. 2018;66(12):1736-1750.

Diabetic microangiopathy refers to small vessel disease that occurs in individuals with diabetes. It is a type of vascular complication that affects the tiny blood vessels, particularly the capillaries, arterioles, and venules. This condition is associated with prolonged high blood sugar levels and is considered a part of the broader spectrum of diabetic vascular complications.

Unit 7,

Reference: Oxford Concise Medical Dictionary (9th ed) Oxford University Press 2015 ISBN-13: 9780199687817, p1878

Progressive damage to the kidneys seen in some people with long-standing diabetes. Excessive leakage of protein into the urine is followed by a gradual decline of the kidney function and even kidney failure.

Unit 1,

Reference: Oxford Concise Colour Medical Dictionary (7th Edition, Kindle Edition) Oxford University Press 2020 ISBN-13: 978-0198836629, p1322 

Progressive damage to the peripheral nerves seen in some people with long-standing diabetes. It most commonly affects the legs, causing pain or numbness working up from the feet.

Unit 1,

Reference: Oxford Concise Colour Medical Dictionary (7th Edition, Kindle Edition) Oxford University Press 2020 ISBN-13: 978-0198836629, p1322 

This is a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes. It occurs when high levels of blood sugar from diabetes damage the blood vessels in the retina. Diabetic retinopathy can lead to vision impairment or even blindness if left untreated.

Unit 1,

Reference: Oxford Concise Medical Dictionary (9th ed) Oxford University Press 2015 ISBN-13: 9780199687817, p119 

Distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSPN) is a type of peripheral neuropathy that affects the nerves in the extremities, particularly the feet and legs. It is one of the most common forms of neuropathy and is often associated with conditions such as diabetes. The term "distal symmetric" refers to the fact that the nerve damage tends to occur in a symmetrical pattern, affecting both sides of the body and typically starting in the furthest (distal) parts of the limbs.

Unit 5,

Reference: Viswanathan V, Snehalatha C, Seena R, Ramachandran A. Early recognition of diabetic neuropathy: evaluation of a simple outpatient procedure using thermal perception. Postgrad Med J. 2002;78(923):541-542.