Double vision, fatigue, excessive hunger, increased heart rate, nervousness, headache, numbness, palpitations, slurred speech, profuse sweating, and tremors are all characteristic of hypoglycemia. Symptoms of hyperglycemia include increased thirst and urination (American Academy of Ortohopaedic Surgeons, 1991; Taunton & McCargar, 1995). .
When testing for IDDM one should include a urine test which reveals the presence of glucosuria (glucose in the urine),and ketones, an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), fasting glucose levels, and plasma concentration of glucose (DeFronzo, 1998; Podolsky, 1980). Test results which yield a positive diagnosis of diabetes include a random plasma glucose of >200 mg per deciliter, fasting plasma glucose of >126 mg per deciliter, glucosuria, and ketonuria (DeFronzo, 1998; Kozak, 1982; Podolsky, 1980). The presence of any combination of the aforementioned conditions provides a means for immediate diagnosis, treatment, and control of diabetes mellitus.
Treatment of IDDM is accomplished by insulin injections and dietary management. There presently exist two schools of thought in regards to insulin therapy and the frequency of treatment. The first is the idea of using short-acting insulin, which is given before meals, 3-4 times a day. The daily doses are body weight dependent, using the formula 0.5 units of insulin per kilogram of body weight. The aim of the injections are to maintain blood glucose levels between 4 and 8 mmol per liter, and can be adjusted accordingly (Taft, 1985). The second theory includes using a mixture of intermediate-acting and short-acting insulin, given twice daily, before breakfast, and before the evening meal. Dosage is still body weight dependent, however, two-thirds of the total is given at breakfast, and one-third at the evening meal, with adjustments made according to blood and urine glucose levels (DeFronzo, 1998; Taft, 1985).