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
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. Its use is
regulated primarily by insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas gland
(located behind the stomach). In the person 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
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
The onset of Insulin-Dependent Diabetes begins with frequent
urination, extreme thirst, constant hunger, and unexplained weight
loss. Because people with Type I Diabetes lack sufficient
insulin, glucose accumulates in the blood to levels too high for...