Endocrinology is the branch of medicine that deals with disorders of the endocrine system and its specific secretions called hormones.

Diabetes is a syndrome of disordered metabolism, usually caused due to a combination of hereditary and environmental reasons, resulting in abnormally high blood sugar levels. Blood glucose levels are controlled by a complex interaction of multiple chemicals and hormones in the body, including the hormone insulin made in beta cells of the pancreas.

Diabetes mellitus refers to the group of diseases that lead to high blood glucose levels due to defects in either insulin secretion or insulin action. Diabetes develops due to a diminished production of insulin (in type 1) or resistance to its effects (in type 2 and gestational). Both lead to hyperglycemia, which largely causes the acute signs of diabetes: excessive urine production, resulting compensatory thirst, increased fluid intake, blurred vision, unexplained weight loss, lethargy and changes in energy metabolism.