Girl (8-9) looking at doctor holding insulin syringe - stock photo

Insulin syringe. Diabetic 9-year- old girl listening to her doctor explain how to use a novopen, a type of insulin syringe. The pen- like device measures out the correct dose of the hormone insulin from portable cartridges. The dose is regulated by the dial at the end of the pen. Diabetics with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) need regular insulin injections as they do not produce enough of the hormone to convert blood sugar to energy. When this happens, fats are used as an alternative, which leads to ketone build-up and possible convulsions and coma. As well as insulin injections, a strict diet is followed as part of the treatment.