CONDITION: Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM)

DESCRIPTION:
Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) is an autoimmune disease that usually begins in childhood or young adulthood and is more common in females than in males. It is not the most common form of diabetes. IDDM accounts for only 5 percent or less of diabetes cases in this country. Often, though, IDDM has a much greater impact on a person's life than the more common adult-onset form of diabetes, known as non-insulin-dependent diabetes (NIDDM). Insulin-dependent diabetes is also called type I diabetes, juvenile diabetes and diabetes mellitus.

How does insulin-dependant diabetes mellitus develop?
IDDM is caused by an abnormal bodily reaction in which the immune system destroys insulin-secreting cells in the pancreas. The body depends on insulin to metabolize sugar for energy.

The cause of the disease is unknown, but some believe it is related to a viral infection since the destruction of the insulin-secreting tissues often occurs after inflammation of the pancreas. Genetics may also play a role, but the pattern of inheritance is complicated. The child of a person who has IDDM is at greater risk of developing the same type of diabetes. However, most affected children do not have a parent with diabetes. Dietary measures help control the disease, but it also must be treated with insulin injections.

What are the symptoms of insulin-dependant diabetes mellitus?
The symptoms of IDDM tend to develop quickly and become severe. The most common symptoms are frequent urination, unusual thirst, extreme hunger, unusual weight loss, extreme fatigue, irritability, nausea, vomiting, acetone smell to the breath and confusion.

Conventional medical treatments may help relieve the symptoms of IDDM but they do not address the root of the problem. Generally, by undergoing comprehensive natural medicine testing, the reasons the body is producing antibodies against itself can be found. Some of these reasons include sensitivities or allergies to foods, inhalants and chemicals and various infections.

Discover why we believe that natural medicine treatments are the best way to treat IDDM.

Learn about the treatments for Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (IDDM)