NON-INSULIN-DEPENDENT DIABETES-MELLITUS IN AFRICAN-AMERICAN YOUTHS OFARKANSAS

Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) occurs more frequently in certain adult populations, including African-Americans, Recently a n increase in the incidence of NIDDM has been observed among African-A merican youths in Arkansas. Clinical presentations among these youths vary from asymptomatic to severe diabetic ketoacidosis, From a chart r eview data were examined to determine which physical, biochemical, and autoimmune characteristics were most helpful in appropriate classific ation of NIDDM vs insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). It is ap parent. that several diagnostic and treatment issues need to he addres sed to improve the management of African-American youths with NIDDM.