The focus of this unit is on understanding the nature of diabetes and the pathophysiological changes associated with it. Syllabus includes: epidemiology, aetiology, health determinants, classification of diabetes, metabolic syndrome, insulin biosynthesisand secretion, glucose homeostasis, metabolism, glycaemic states, pathophysiological processes, diagnostic criteria, micro and macrovascular damage, chronic complications, pharmacotherapuetics, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of insulin and antidiabetic agents, introduction to the cornerstones of management, health care services, social and economic impact. -- Course Website