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February 14, 2000

Diagnosis and Symptoms

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Question from Birmingham, England:

What are the differences, if any, in metabolic effects between partial and complete insulin deficiency states?

Answer:

From: DTeam Staff

Essentially, if the insulin deficiency is severe enough to cause the blood sugars to rise into the abnormal range on a regular basis then this is diabetes. Many patients with diabetes make some insulin but still need to inject if they are to avoid symptoms and complications. If the pancreas is able to make less than about 20% of normal insulin production then diabetes supervenes.

KJR