injection of glucose solution or the hormone glucagon (which stimulates the production of glucose), should be administered. Ketoacidosis, or Diabetic Coma, results from too little insulin in the system. When the body is unable to use glucose for fuel, it draws on its own stores of protein and fat for energy. Acids, or ketones, produced by the excessive breakdown of fat then accumulate in the blood stream quicker than the kidneys can excrete them. Unlike hypoglycemia, the symptoms of ketoacidosis develop slowly over a period of days. The person with diabetes may begin to experience abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, rapid breathing and drowsiness. If left untreated, ketoacidosis can progress to coma and death. Ketoacidosis can be prevented by careful daily evaluation of insulin needs. Particularly stressful situations such as illness or surgery may require increased amounts of insulin. Most importantly, a person with diabetes should never skip or delay an insulin injection and should pay careful attention to his/her diet. A survey by the U.S. Department of Health, Education and Welfare during 1960 to 1962 on forty-four million adults showed that men and women with diabetes ran a higher than average risk of periodontal disease. Related Disorders --- Type II Diabetes (Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus) is the more common form of the disorder. Also known as Adult Onset Diabetes, it usually occurs after the age of 40 years. This type of diabetes is not secondary to other diseases or conditions. In many cases, the disorder can be controlled through diet, regular exercise, and sometimes, with oral medications (e.g., chlorpropamide, glypizide, or glyburide). Therapies: Standard --- A daily routine of insulin-injection, controlled diet, exercise to burn off glucose, and testing for blood sugar level is vital in achieving and maintaining good blood sugar control in patients with Insulin-Dependent Diabetes. Urine testing for glucose spillage...
