This dataset is originally from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.

The objective is to predict based on diagnostic measurements whether a patient has diabetes.



INSULIN

One of insulin's principal effects is to increase the uptake of
glucose in many of the tissues (e.g. in adipose/fat tissue) and
thereby reduce the concentration glucose in blood.


GLUCOSE CONCENTRATIONS

BG concentration will vary even in individuals with normal pancreatic
hormonal function.  A normal pre-meal BG ranges approximately 80-120 mg/dl. 
A normal post-meal BG ranges 80-140 mg/dl. The target range for an individual 
with diabetes mellitus is very controversial. I will cut the Gordian knot on 
this issue by noting that it would be very desirable to keep 90% of all BG 
measurements < 200 mg/dl and that the average BG should be 150 mg/dl or less. 
Note that it  takes a lot of work, attention and (painful) BG checks to reach 
this target range. Conversely, an average BG > 200 (over several years) is 
associated with a poor long-term outcome. That is, the risk of vascular 
complications of the high BG is signicantly elevated.

Hypoglycemic (low BG) symptoms fall into two classes. Between 40-80 mg/dl,
the patient feels the effect off the adrenal hormone epinephrine as the BG
regulation systems attempt to reverse the low BG.  These so-called 
adrenergic symptoms (headache, abdominal pain, sweating) are useful, if
unpleasant, cues to the patient that their BG is falling dangerously. Below
40 mg/dl, the patient's brain is inadequately supplied with glucose and
the symptoms become those of poor brain function (neuroglycopenic
symptoms). These include: lethargy, weakness, disorientation, seizures and
passing out.  

PREGNANCY

Diabetes can cause problems during pregnancy for women and their developing babies.
Poor control of diabetes during pregnancy increases the chances for birth defects
and other problems for the pregnancy. It can also cause serious complications for
the woman. Proper health care before and during pregnancy can help prevent birt
defects and other health problems.

BMI

An increase in body fat is generally associated with an increase in risk of metabolic
diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension and dyslipidaemia (1). Body
mass index (BMI) criteria are currently the primary focus in obesity treatment
recommendations, with different treatment cutoff points based upon the presence
or absence of obesity-related comorbid disease.

BLOOD PRESSURE

Individuals with high blood pressure struggle with blood pumping through their
heart and blood vessels with too much force. If this continues for an extended
length of time, the high pressure can tire and enlarge the heart muscle.
While readings can vary, most people with diabetes should have a blood pressure
of no more than 130/80. The top number is the "systolic pressure," or the pressure
in your arteries when your heart squeezes and fills the vessels with blood.
The second number, the “diastolic pressure,” is the pressure when your heart is at rest.
Healthy people should get their blood pressure checked once every two years.
That number increases to four times each year for people living with diabetes.

SKIN THICKNESS

Poor blood supply to the skin can cause changes in the collagen and fat underneath.
The overlaying skin becomes thin and red. Most lesions are found on the lower parts
of the legs and can turn into an ulcer if there’s trauma. Lesions have fairly
well-defined borders. Sometimes, the condition is itchy and painful 
