The information contained in the Rare Disease Database is provided for educational purposes only. It should not be used for diagnostic or treatment purposes. If you wish to obtain more information about this disorder, please contact your personal physician and/or the agencies listed in the “Resources” section of this report. Insulin-Dependent Diabetes is a disorder in which the body does not produce enough insulin and is, therefore, unable to convert nutrients into the energy necessary for daily activity. The disorder affects females and males approximately equally. Although the causes of insulin-dependent diabetes are not known, genetic factors seem to play a role.
Symptomatology: Normally, sugars and starches (carbohydrates) in the foods we eat are processed by digestive juices into glucose. Glucose circulates in the blood as a major energy source for body functions and is regulated primarily by insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas gland located behind the stomach. In people with diabetes, there is a malfunction in the production of insulin. There are two main types of diabetes: Type I or Insulin-Dependent and Type II or Noninsulin-Dependent. The insulin-dependent type of diabetes generally has onset during childhood or adolescence, though it can occur at any age.
Because the pancreas supplies little or no insulin in this disease, daily injections of the hormone and a controlled diet are necessary to regulate blood sugar levels. Insulin is generally effective in preventing glucose buildup, but it is a treatment and not a cure for diabetes. The onset of Insulin-Dependent Diabetes begins with frequent urination, extreme thirst, constant hunger, and unexplained weight loss. People with Type I Diabetes lack sufficient insulin, causing glucose to accumulate in the blood to levels too high for the kidneys to excrete. In an effort to remove the excess sugar, the kidneys excrete large amounts of water as well as essential body elements, resulting in frequent urination, thirst, and weakness.
Hunger and fatigue are caused by the body’s inability to utilize food properly for nourishment and energy. The body turns to its stores of fat and protein to find alternate sources of energy, resulting in weight loss and the accumulation of fat breakdown products such as acetone and related acids in the blood. These fat metabolites increase the acidity of the blood, potentially leading to a fatal condition called ketoacidosis if prompt treatment is not sought. Children with Type I Diabetes may also experience stunted growth and development. Diabetics of all ages may experience skin itching, changes in vision, and slow healing of cuts and bruises. Seek medical attention if any of these symptoms occur.
The diabetic condition can result in certain long-term complications which may involve many organs of the body. The blood vessels, nervous system, kidneys, and eyes are particularly affected. Successful control of blood glucose levels may reduce the risk of complications, but the exact relationship between these factors is not fully understood. Studies are being conducted to determine whether strict blood glucose control plays a significant role in preventing or delaying the onset of complications resulting from diabetes.
Cardiovascular complications are a major concern for diabetics. Heart and blood vessel diseases, including heart attack, arteriosclerosis, and stroke, are the leading causes of illness, disability, and death among individuals with diabetes. Diabetics are twice as likely to suffer from coronary heart disease and stroke and five times as likely to suffer from arterial disease of the limbs compared to the non-diabetic population. The exact mechanism by which diabetes damages the cardiovascular system is not yet fully understood.
Diabetic Nephropathy (Kidney Disease). Kidney disease, or diabetic nephropathy, can be a serious complication of diabetes. Normally, the kidneys cleanse impurities from the blood, but diabetes can cause damage to the blood vessels in the kidney and interfere with this vital process. A procedure called hemodialysis is frequently used to remove waste products from the blood when the kidneys can no longer perform this function adequately.
Diabetics with serious renal disease may also be candidates for a kidney transplant if a suitable donor organ is available. Diabetes can also cause a complication called Diabetic Neuropathy, which is damage to the peripheral nerves.
These nerves run throughout the body, connecting the spinal cord to muscles, skin, blood vessels, and all other organs. Most importantly, they serve as the primary link between the central nervous system and the entire body. Diabetes is a common cause of peripheral neuropathy. However, this condition can also result from injury, alcoholism, or other factors. Almost all people with diabetes eventually develop some peripheral nerve involvement, but for many, it is slight and produces no symptoms.
