This document summarizes different aspects of diabetes mellitus (DM) and insulin. It defines DM as characterized by elevated blood sugar levels due to lack of insulin. It describes the two main types of DM, and discusses HbA1c levels, insulin secretion, the conversion of proinsulin to insulin, and the storage and metabolic effects of insulin. The document also outlines the mechanisms of insulin action in the liver, muscle, and adipose tissue, describes various insulin preparations and their durations of action, and discusses potential adverse effects and mechanisms to reduce blood sugar levels, including sulfonylureas, biguanides, thiazolidinediones, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, GLP-1 analogs, and D