A chronic condition in which the pancreas makes little or no insulin because the beta cells have been destroyed. The body is then not able to use the glucose (blood sugar) for energy. IDDM usually comes on abruptly, although the damage to the beta cells may begin much earlier. The signs of IDDM are a great thirst, hunger, a need to urinate often, and loss of weight. To treat the disease, the person must inject insulin, follow a diet plan, exercise daily, and test blood glucose several times a day. IDDM usually occurs in children and adults who are under age 30. This type of diabetes used to be known as juvenile diabetes, juvenile-onset diabetes, and ketosis-prone diabetes. It is also called type I diabetes mellitus and Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Juvenile diabetes, Juvenile-onset diabetes, ketosis-prone diabetes Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. A chronic disease in which the pancreas makes little or no insulin because the beta cells have been destroyed, and body cells are unable to use glucose for energy. Onset is generally abrupt. The symptoms of IDDM include: great thirst, hunger, frequent urination, and weight loss. To treat the disease, the person must inject insulin, follow a diet plan, and exercise daily. IDDM usually occurs in children and in adults under age 30.

See: Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.