Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus(IDDM)
Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM) is a disorder caused by autoimmune destruction of the pancreatic cells - called Islets of Langerhans - responsible for the production of insulin, the hormone we need to help us make proper use of glucose. This is predominantly a condition of children and young people (though it can occur in older people) which involves both inheritance and environment. It is associated with certain tissue types and genetic factors which convey susceptibility to damage to the cells by a cross reaction with antibodies to viruses or other agents. At the time of diagnosis there are usually anti-islet cell antibodies present in the bloodstream. Unlike non insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (described in the section on nutritional disorders) which is due to insulin resistance, patients with IDDM have a lack of insulin, and require insulin for life. Tight control of blood glucose is essential to prevent the complications associated with diabetes mellitus - eye disease due to problems with blood supply to the retina, heart disease due to the development of atherosclerosis, kidney disease and problems with nerve conduction. The management of IDDM involves a team of people: dieticians, opticians, chiropodists, specialist nurses and physicians. The most important member of the team is, however, the patient - who needs to take charge from the start.
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