Definition
From Stedman's Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing, Illustrated, Fifth Edition:
Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM): Severe diabetes mellitus, often brittle, usually of abrupt onset during the first two decades of life but can develop at any age; characterized by polydipsia, polyuria, increased appetite, weight loss, low plasma insulin levels, and episodic ketoacidosis; immune-mediated destruction of pancreatic B cells; insulin therapy and dietary regulation are necessary. SYN growth-onset diabetes, juvenile-onset diabetes, Type I diabetes. (emphasis added by FTB)
Insulin dependent = Type 1 diabetes. Insulin DEPENDENCE is NOT just use of insulin.
F Tessa Bartels, CPC, CEMC