Insuliinsõltuva

Insuliinsõltuva is an Estonian term that translates to "insulin-dependent" in English. It specifically refers to a type of diabetes, most commonly Type 1 diabetes. In this condition, the pancreas produces very little or no insulin. Insulin is a hormone crucial for allowing glucose from the bloodstream to enter cells for energy. Without sufficient insulin, glucose builds up in the blood, leading to hyperglycemia.

Individuals with insulin-dependent diabetes require lifelong treatment with insulin to manage their blood glucose levels. This is typically administered through injections or an insulin pump. Dietary management and regular physical activity are also important components of treatment, but they cannot replace the need for insulin. The onset of insulin-dependent diabetes is often in childhood or young adulthood, though it can occur at any age. The exact cause is not fully understood but is believed to involve an autoimmune process where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Symptoms can include increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and blurred vision. Prompt diagnosis and management are vital to prevent serious long-term complications affecting the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart.