What does IDDM stand for in relation to diabetes?

IDDM stands for Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus. This term specifically refers to a type of diabetes where the body cannot produce insulin, a hormone necessary for the regulation of glucose in the bloodstream. Typically, this condition is associated with Type 1 diabetes, where the immune system attacks insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, individuals with IDDM require daily insulin injections or an insulin pump to manage their blood glucose levels effectively. The terminology emphasizes the necessity of insulin in the management of the condition, highlighting the dependency on this particular hormone for survival and maintenance of normal metabolic function.

The other choices present variations on related concepts but do not accurately capture the established medical terminology for this specific diabetes type. Each alternative choice introduces terms that either misrepresent how diabetes is managed or incorrectly define the relationship between insulin and diabetes.