ABSTRACT
Pancreatic beta-cell destruction and the resultant inability of the pancreas to produce insulin is the pathological process underlying insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). Because insulin insufficiency is the underlying cause of this disease, treatment involves insulin replacement by injection once or twice a day. Exogenous insulin replacement prolongs life, but only crudely approximates normal pancreatic function. Although the goal of treatment is to maintain the patient's blood glucose within the normal range, blood glucose excursions readily occur in response to eating, exercise, illness, and stress. Consequently, the management of this disease requires a complex array of daily insulin injection, dietary, and exercise behaviors. In addition, the patient is taught to conduct multiple blood glucose tests to monitor current health status and to take appropriate action should significant blood glucose excursions occur.
