DIABETES-THERAPIES

There are three types of diabetes mellitus, Type I (previously referred to as Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus, IDDM), Type II (previously referred to as Non-insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus, NIDDM), and gestational diabetes that occurs during pregnancy... Type I diabetes represents approximately 5-10% of diabetic patients. It usually has a rapid onset and most frequently manifests in children and adolescents (juvenile onset). Type I diabetes is thought to result from the immune system mistakenly recognizing the insulin producing cells (beta-cells) in the pancreas as "foreign" and destroying them. Because the body cannot use the dietary glucose, the level in the blood is elevated, excess glucose is lost in the urine taking with it a large amount of water (resulting in frequent urination), and weakness, thirst and hunger result. Frequently weight loss is seen. The treatment for type I diabetes is insulin replacement... Wordlwide, some 120 million Type II diabetics (adult onset)..

Primary location: Birmingham United States