Diabetes Mellitus Type I                                         Diabetes Mellitus Type I is defined as being caused by deficient insulin production.  This results in abnormally high levels of glucose present in cirulating plasma and body fluids.  Insulin is required for glucose uptake into the liver and adipose tissue.  Diabetes Mellitus Type I is not to be confused with Diabetes Mellitus type II.  Type II is defined resistance to insulin and is not autoimmune in nature.   Autoantibodies cause destruction of the beta cells of the islets of langerhans, which results in a decreased or lack of insulin production. Syptoms of DM Type I include weight loss, blurred vision, heart disease, kidney disease, and blood circulation issues.  If left untreated or poorly treated, diabetic coma can result from ketoacidosis. Treatment involves daily insulin injections.       Credit: Erin Strong