Insulin is essential for the body to process carbohydrates
(sugars), but is also needed for the body to deal effectively
with fat and protein metabolism. Insulin reduces blood glucose
levels by permitting the glucose to enter muscle cells and by
stimulating the conversion of glucose to glycogen that can be
stored in the body. Insulin also slows the release of stored
glucose from glycogen stores in the liver and slows the
breakdown of fat to triglycerides, free fatty acids and ketones.
Hyperglycemia results when insulin deficiency leads to
uninhibited production of glucose and prevents the utilization
of this circulating glucose. The overabundance of glucose in the
blood leads to an increase of glucose in the urine. This excess
glucose in the urine causes an increase in total urine
production (polyurea). The person becomes dehydrated, and that
leads to increased thirst (polydipsia). Fat and protein
breakdown occurs, leading to the formation of ketones. If left
untreated, the child wastes away and develops diab