Last Updated on November 30, 2024 by Analgesia team
IDDM Medical Abbreviation
IDDM stands for insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, which is also known as type 1 diabetes. It’s a condition that occurs when the pancreas doesn’t produce enough insulin because the immune system destroys the cells that make it. Without insulin, sugar can’t enter cells.
IDDM usually begins before age 15, but it can also develop in adults. It’s caused by the destruction of the beta-cells in the islets of Langerhans, which are responsible for secreting insulin. Some believe that environmental factors may play a role in the development of IDDM, in addition to genetics.
If left untreated, type 1 diabetes can be life-threatening. Symptoms include:
- Fruity-smelling breath
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Rapid breathing
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Loss of consciousness
If you or your child experience any of these symptoms, you should seek immediate medical care.