Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus - Assignment Example

BIO 271 Colleen Williams April 2008 Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) IDDM, an autoimmune disease usually begins in childhood or young adulthood. This kind of diabetes is more common in females than in males and is the most common form of diabetes. In USA, IDDM is responsible for only 5 percent or less for causing diabetes. IDDM causes more impact on life compared to non-insulin-dependent diabetes (NIDDM). Also known as type I diabetes, juvenile diabetes and diabetes mellitus. (Condition: Insulin dependent Diabetes mellitus, 2008) IDDM is caused by a reaction caused in the body such that the immune system looses the capability of insulin-secreting cells in the pancreas. (Condition: Insulin dependent Diabetes mellitus, 2008) Specifically, in type 1 diabetes, the beta cells of the pancreas produce little or no insulin, the hormone that allows glucose to enter body cells. This glucose serves as the source of energy in the body, when this hormone is not produced the cells does not gets adequate energy to perform the activities. When enough insulin is not present, the body is not able to use glucose as source of energy. The body is unable to use this glucose for energy despite high levels in the bloodstream, leading to increased hunger. (Condition: Insulin dependent Diabetes mellitus, 2008) Moreover, the high levels of glucose in the blood lead to more urination in the patient and further also lead to excessive thirst. Not more, within 5-10 years most of the beta cells are destroyed and the body no more produces insulin. (Diabetes, 2005) Type 1 diabetes can occur at any age, but it usually starts in people younger than 30. Symptoms are usually severe and occur rapidly. The cause of the insulin dependent diabetes mellitus is unknown, but some research shows a viral infection may play a positive role where is causes destruction of f the insulin secreting tissues that often lead to inflammation of the pancreas. It is also reported that there are some genes responsible for causing this disease, but the pattern of inheritance is complicated. The child of a person who has insulin dependent diabetes mellitus is at a greater risk of developing the same type of the disease. But, most of the children affected with IDDM have parents who are not already affected with IDDM. Dietary measures can be used to help control the disease, but it also must be treated with insulin injections. (Condition: Insulin dependent Diabetes mellitus, 2008) The symptoms leading to IDDM develop quickly and very severe. Some of the symptoms are listed below: 1. Frequent Urination; 2. Unusual Thirst; 3. Extreme hunger; 4. Usual weight loss; 5. Extreme fatigue; 6. Irritability; 7. Nausea; 8. Vomiting; 9. Confusion; 10. The smell of the breadth is like acetone. (Condition: Insulin dependent Diabetes mellitus, 2008). If the patients encounter symptoms above then he or she should consult a doctor. The diagnosis that the doctor will perform will be doing a physical exam and some laboratory blood tests. The doctor will also work upon the optimum insulin dosage to treat hyperglycemia (high blood pressure). The dose of the insulin depends on person to person and will vary with period of time. The calorie intake will also be discussed and the amount of insulin will be panned with physical activity that will be required to reduce the blood glucose level and the thus the need of the insulin. (INSULIN DEPENDENT DIABETES MELLITUS (IDDM). Other tests like urinalnyis, glucose tolerance test, Fasting blood glucose and Glycosylated hemoglobin AIC level can also be performed. If the patient is suffering from any eye problems or any problems that involves problem with vision than operation will also be performed. Other complications might include gangrene and coronary heart disease. (INSULIN DEPENDENT DIABETES MELLITUS (IDDM). A vitamin D dose of 2000 IU per day is given during the first year of a child's life in Northern Finland because it is believed that there is a reduction of getting Type 1 diabetes latter in life, and the risk for it is reduced to about 80%. Additionally, administration of Vitamin D3 is important and is used for prevention of IDDM latter in life. (Diabetes mellitus type 1, 2008). Apart form the medication prescribed by the doctor; one can monitor glucose levels at home. Always wear a medical alert bracelet that is required when there is emergency that says that the patient is suffering form IDDM. The inspection of the feet should be always done. Any signs of infection like redness, swelling, heat and pain should be reported to the doctor for his treatment. There should be always regular eye examination and the exercise should be a part of one daily life. This factor is important in controlling diabetes. A vial of glucagon is also important to keep with oneself, if suffering from IDDM. This will counteract hyperglycemia if attack is sudden. (INSULIN DEPENDENT DIABETES MELLITUS (IDDM). It is also advised to increase the dose of insulin before attending any gatherings like parties or functions. Also, decrease the dose of insulin in anticipation of any exertion or have suffient snacks instead. There are also certain drugs which are causative agents that destroy the beta cells of Langerhans that produces insulin. In 1976, a rodenticide called Vacor was used in the United States that selectively destroyed the pancreatic cells and was responsible for causing IDDM. Zanosar, an antineoplastic agent used in chemotherapy for treating cancer of pancreas is known to kill the beta cells thus resulting in loss of insulin production. (Diabetes mellitus type 1, 2008). Some other reasons that may lead to loss of insulin production include trauma, pancreatitis or tumors. (Diabetes mellitus type 1, 2008) The most common form of treatment is insulin therapy. The course of administration is usually by injection or with an insulin pump. Also used as a treatment is carbohydrate tracking or monitoring of blood glucose using glucose level meters. Untreated Diabetes leads to coma, shock, and diabetic ketoacidosis which can be fatal. Most of the time it is advisable for the patient to continue their course of treatment for their entire lifetime since, there is no treatments yet available that can be taken for a short period of time to IDDM. The use of continuous blood monitors is advisable for patients that can alarm them when the level of blood glucose is high or low. Lately, researchers are studying pancreas transplantation. This type of transplant would help to restore the beta cells of the pancreas. However the requirement of surgery and the use of immunosuppressant drugs are always advisable to avoid rejection. There is also an emerging technology that replaces the beta cells by transplantation of the stem cells. This technology is only used in selective cases, when the level of blood glucose is extremely volatile. To date this technology is only applied on patients above the age of 18. The development of an artificial pancreas is also in the pipeline for the treatment of IDDM as is research studying Islet of Langerhans transplantation. (Diabetes mellitus type 1, 2008) Other current research is ongoing that focuses on the genetic therapy and nanotechnology approaches to finding new methods to treatment of insulin dependent diabetes mellitus. Another form of research is the "Immunization approach" that prevents the immune system from attacking the beta cells. A peptide fragment named DiaPep277 has also been designed that causes the lymphocyte cells to cease attacking the beta cells. (Diabetes mellitus type 1, 2008), (Islet Cell Transplant: Experimental Treatment for Type 1 Diabetes, 2008) IDDM is simply incurable but the symptoms and complications are kept under control and if proper care is taken. Many people suffering from IDDM have sound life spans, although life expectancy goes down. If proper care is not take than the complications can lead to kidney failure, peripheral vascular disease, hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis. (INSULIN DEPENDENT DIABETES MELLITUS (IDDM). Thus, it is advisable for persons to consult a doctor if suffering from symptoms of IDDM or have a family history of diabetes or have not get the glucose level checked for more than one year. Any inability to think clearly or any sign of weakness, sweating,paleness or rapid hearbeat. When one is ill for many days or if experience numbness,tingling or pain in feet or hands. An odour of fruity breath or like of acetone, changes in breathing pattern is all signs of IDDM or may indicate ketoacidosis and requires doctors attention. (INSULIN DEPENDENT DIABETES MELLITUS (IDDM). Today most of the conventional therpapies are ineffective in the long run. However, several new therapies have potential are all under investogation. Also current topic of research are biological targets that can be trapped for desiging new drugs in this areas. Works Cited COndition:Insulin dependent Diabetes mellitus. (2008). Retrieved 3 31, 2008, from Caring Medical.com: http://www.caringmedical.com/conditions/Insulin-Dependent_Diabetes_Mellitus_(IDDM).htm Diabetes. (2005, 12 30). Retrieved 03 31, 2008, from eMedicin Health: http://www.emedicinehealth.com/diabetes/article_em.htm Diabetes mellitus type 1. (2008, 03 20). Retrieved 03 31, 2008, from Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_1_diabetes_mellitus Islet Cell Transplant: Experimental Treatmnet for Type 1 Diabetes. (2008, 02 08). Retrieved 03 31, 2008, from MayoClinic.com: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/islet-cell-transplant/DA00046. INSULIN DEPENDENT DIABETES MELLITUS (IDDM). (n.d.). Retrieved 04 02, 2008, from Care Hospital: http://www.carehospitals.com/Paitented/Pait_edu_data-237.htm Read More