IDDM

Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM)

Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM), also known as Type 1 Diabetes, is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. Pronunciation: /ˌɪnsjʊlɪn dɪˈpɛndənt ˌdaɪəˈbiːtiːz ˈmɛlɪtəs/

Etymology

The term "Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus" is derived from the Greek words insulinē (meaning island), dependent (meaning hanging from), diabetes (meaning siphon), and mellitus (meaning sweet like honey). This refers to the condition's characteristic of high blood sugar levels and the body's dependency on insulin.

Definition

Insulin is a hormone needed to allow sugar (glucose) to enter cells to produce energy. The lack of insulin leads to increased sugar in your bloodstream. IDDM is often diagnosed in children and young adults, although it can appear at any age.

Symptoms

Symptoms of IDDM can include frequent urination, increased thirst, extreme hunger, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, irritability, blurred vision, and slow-healing sores.

Causes

The exact cause of IDDM is unknown. However, it's believed that the body's own immune system mistakenly destroys the insulin-producing (islet) cells in the pancreas.

Treatment

Treatment for IDDM includes taking insulin, carbohydrate counting, frequent blood sugar monitoring, eating healthy foods, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight.

Related Terms

• Diabetes Mellitus
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Gestational Diabetes
• Insulin
• Pancreas
• Blood Sugar
• Glucose
• Carbohydrate Counting
• Islet Cells

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on IDDM
• Wikipedia's article - IDDM

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