ABSTRACT
Diabetes mellitus results from disturbances in the metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. Normally, the blood glucose level is maintained within a range of 80 to 130 mg/ml. When the level rises above 180 mg/ml, the glucose spills into the urine, causing glucosuria. The utilization of glucose by most tissues, including muscle and adipose tissue, is insulin dependent. The brain is an exception in that its utilization of glucose is insulin independent. In the absence of insulin, the organs other than brain are able to make use of amino acids and fatty acids as alternative sources of energy.
