Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus(IDDM)

Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM) is an autoimmune condition resulting from the destruction of the cells of theIslets of Langerhans that produce insulin. Because there is no insulin patients are unable to absorb and metabolise glucose. This means that the levels of glucose in the blood get high - a condition called hyperglycaemia. The high glucose gets filtered through the kidneys, and takes with it a lot of water. This means that the patient passes a lot of urine (the word diabetes means "a siphoning forth") which contains a lot of sugar (and therefore called diabetes mellitus, rather than diabetes insipidus, where the urine is very dilute - see kidneys in the urinary tract section).

Because they pass a lot of water, they are very thirsty, so they drink a lot - described as polyuria and polydypsia. Because they're not absorbing glucose they derive energy by breaking down their body fat, so they lose weight. Insulin is required, and the amount needed must be titrated carefully to control blood sugar and prevent the development of complications such as diabetic eye disease (see the eye in the head section) or atherosclerosis (see the heart and circulation in the chest cavity section). Careful attention to diet is mandatory. This is a genetically determined condition where some people are at risk of developing antibodies to their islet cells, and it accounts for about 15 per cent of the cases of diabetes mellitus in the UK, with the other 85 per cent being due to Non Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM) described in the adult whole body section. IDDM is also called juvenile onset diabetes, because it can start in infancy or adolescence. While there are genetic factors involved (though it appears that there’s more than one gene) there is evidence that environmental triggers are associated, including viral infections and exposure to cow's milk protein at a very early age.

The management of IDDM in infancy and childhood requires careful balancing of food intake, insulin injected and energy output, in order to prevent the immediate complications of too much sugar in the blood (hyperglycaemia, which can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, described above) or too little (hypoglycaemia, also described above) as well as the long-term complications affecting the eyes, the circulation and the kidneys. The aim is to have a normal child leading a normal life who proceeds to a normal adulthood.
 
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The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.