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Diabetes Dictionary

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | K | L | M | N | P | R | S | T | U | V | Y

A

Adult-Onset Diabetes

Former term for noninsulin-dependent or type II diabetes. See also: Type II Diabetes.

Albumin

A protein found in blood plasma and urine. The presence of albumin in the urine can be a sign of kidney disease.

Aldose Reductase Inhibitor

A class of drugs being studied as a way to prevent eye and nerve damage in people with diabetes. Aldose reductase is an enzyme that is normally present in the eye and in many other parts of the body. It helps change glucose (sugar) into a sugar alcohol called sorbitol. Too much sorbitol trapped in eye and nerve cells can damage these cells, leading to retinopathy and neuropathy. Drugs that prevent or slow (inhibit) the action of aldose reductase are being studied as a way to prevent or delay these complications of diabetes.

Alpha Cell

A type of cell in the pancreas (in areas called the islets of Langerhans). Alpha cells make and release a hormone called glucagon, which raises the level of glucose(sugar)in the blood.

Antidiabetic Agent

A substance that helps a person with diabetes control the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood so that the body works as it should. See also: Insulin.

Antiseptic

An agent that kills bacteria. Alcohol is a common antiseptic. Before injecting insulin, many people use alcohol to clean their skin to avoid infection.

Artificial Pancreas

A large machine used in hospitals that constantly measures glucose (sugar) in the blood and, in response, releases the right amount of insulin. Scientists are also working to develop a small unit that could be implanted in the body, functioning like a real pancreas.

Autoimmune process

A process where the body's immune system attacks and destroys body tissue that it mistakes for foreign matter.

Autonomic Neuropathy

A disease of the nerves affecting mostly the internal organs such as the bladder muscles, the cardiovascular system, the digestive tract, and the genital organs. These nerves are not under a person's conscious control and function automatically. Also called visceral neuropathy. See also: Neuropathy.

B

Beta cells

Beta cells are found in area of the pancreas called the Islets of Langerhans. Their function is to produce insulin.

Bladder

A hollow organ that urine drains into from the kidneys. From the bladder, urine leaves the body.

Blood Glucose

The main sugar that the body makes from the food we eat. Glucose is carried through the bloodstream to provide energy to all of the body's living cells. The cells cannot use glucose without the help of insulin.

Blood pressure

The force of the blood against the artery walls. Two levels of blood pressure are measured: the highest, or systolic, occurs when the heart pumps blood into the blood vessels, and the lowest, or diastolic, occurs when the heart rests.

Blood sugar

See Blood Glucose.

C

Calluses

Thick, hardened areas of the skin, generally on the foot, caused by friction or pressure. Calluses can lead to other problems, including serious infection and even gangrene.

Carbohydrates

One of three major sources of calories in the diet. Carbohydrate comes primarily from sugar (simple carbohydrate) and starch (complex carbohydrate, found in bread, pasta, beans). Carbohydrate is broken down into glucose during digestion and is the main nutrient that raises blood glucose levels.

Cholesterol

A substance similar to fat that is found in the blood, muscles, liver, brain, and other body tissues. The body produces and needs some cholesterol. However, too much cholesterol can make fats stick to the walls of the arteries and cause a disease that decreases or stops circulation.

Corns

A thickening of the skin of the feet or hands, usually caused by pressure against the skin.

Diabetes

The short name for the disease called diabetes mellitus. Diabetes results when the body cannot use blood glucose as energy because of having too little insulin or being unable to use insulin. See also: Type I Diabetes, Type II Diabetes, and Gestational Diabetes.

Diabetes Pills

Pills or capsules that are taken by mouth to lower the blood glucose level. These pills may work for people who are still taking insulin.

Diabetic Coma

A severe emergency in which a person is not conscious because the blood glucose (sugar) is too low or too high. If the glucose level is too low, the person has hypoglycemia; if the level is too high, the person has hyperglycemia and may develop ketoacidosis. See also: Hyperglycemia; hypoglycemia; diabetic ketoacidosis.

Diabetic Eye Disease

A disease of the small blood vessels of the retina of the eye in people with diabetes. In this disease, the vessels swell and leak liquid into the retina, blurring the vision and sometimes leading to blindness.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis(DKA)

High blood glucose, often caused by illness or taking too little insulin. The body uses stored fat for energy, and ketones build up in the blood. Insulin and fluids must be given right away to avoid serious injury or even death.

Diabetic Kidney Disease

Damage to the cells or blood vessels of the kidney.

Diabetic Nerve Damage

Damage to the nerves of a person with diabetes. Nerve damage may affect the feet and hands, as well as major organs.

Diabetic Retinopathy

A disease of the small blood vessels of the retina of the eye. When retinopathy first starts, the tiny blood vessels in the retina become swollen, and they leak a little fluid into the center of the retina. The person's sight may be blurred. This condition is called background retinopathy. About 80 percent of people with background retinopathy never have serious vision problems, and the disease never goes beyond this first stage.

However, if retinopathy progresses, the harm to sight can be more serious. Many new, tiny blood vessels grow out and across the eye. This is called neovascularization. The vessels may break and bleed into the clear gel that fills the center of the eye, blocking vision. Scar tissue may also form near the retina, pulling it away from the back of the eye. This stage is called proliferative retinopathy, and it can lead to impaired vision and even blindness. See also: Photocoagulation or vitrectomy for treatments.

EKG exam

A test that measures the heart's action. Also called an electrocardiogram.

Fasting Blood Glucose Test

A method for finding out how much glucose (sugar) is in the blood. The test can show if a person has diabetes. A blood sample is taken in a lab or doctor's office. The test is usually done in the morning before the person has eaten. The normal, nondiabetic range for blood glucose is from 70 to 110 mg/dl, depending on the type of blood being tested. If the level is over 140 mg/dl, it usually means the person has diabetes (except for newborns and some pregnant women).

Flu

Food Exchanges

A way to help people stay on special food plans by letting them replace items from one food group with items from another group.

Gestational diabetes

A type of diabetes that can occur in pregnant women who have not been known to have diabetes before. Although gestational diabetes usually subsides after pregnancy, many women who've had gestational diabetes develop Type II diabetes later in life.

Gingivitis

A swelling and soreness of the gums that, without treatment, can cause serious gum problems and disease.

Glucagon

A hormone that raises the blood glucose level. When someone with diabetes has a very low blood glucose level, a glucagon injection can help raise the blood glucose quickly.

Glucose

A sugar in our blood and a source of energy for our bodies.

HDL (or high-density lipoprotein)

A combined protein and fatlike substance. Low in cholesterol, it usually passes freely through the arteries and helps remove cholesterol from the artery walls. Sometimes called "good cholesterol."

Hemoglobin A1c

A test that sums up how much glucose has been sticking to part of the hemoglobin during the past 3-4 months. Hemoglobin is a substance in the red blood cells that supplies oxygen to the cells of the body.

Heart attack

Damage to the heart muscle caused when the blood vessels supplying the muscle are blocked, such as when the blood vessels are clogged with fats (a condition sometimes called hardening of the arteries).

High blood glucose

A condition that occurs in people with diabetes when their blood glucose levels are too high. Symptoms include having to urinate often, being very thirsty, and losing weight.

High blood pressure

A condition where the blood circulates through the arteries with too much force. High blood pressure tires the heart, harms the arteries, and increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney problems.

Hormone

A chemical that special cells in the body release to help other cells work. For example, insulin is a hormone made in the pancreas to help the body use glucose as energy.

Hyperglycemia

See High blood glucose.

Hypertension

See High blood pressure.

Hypoglycemia

See Low blood glucose.

Immunization

Sometimes called vaccination; a shot or injection that protects a person from getting an illness by making the person 'immune' to the illness.

Impotence

A condition of being unable to keep an erect penis and ejaculate. Some men who have had diabetes a long time become impotent if their nerves have become damaged.

A contagious viral illness that strikes quickly and severely. Signs include high fever, chills, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, and headache.

Inject

To force a liquid into the body with a needle and syringe.

A hormone that helps the body use blood glucose for energy. The beta cells of the pancreas make insulin. When people with diabetes can't make enough insulin, they may have to inject it from another source.

Insulin-dependent diabetes

See Type I diabetes.

Ketones

Chemical substances that the body makes when it doesn't have enough insulin in the blood. When ketones build up in the body for a long time, serious illness or coma can result.

Kidneys

Twin organs found in the lower part of the back. The kidneys purify the blood of all waste and harmful material. They also control the level of some helpful chemical substances in the blood.

Laser surgery

Surgery that uses a strong ray of special light, called a laser, to treat damaged parts of the body. Laser surgery can help treat some diabetic eye diseases.

Low blood glucose

A condition that occurs in people with diabetes when their blood glucose levels are too low. Symptoms include feeling anxious or confused, feeling numb in the arms and hands, and shaking or feeling dizzy.

LDL (or low-density lipoprotein)

A combined protein and fatlike substance. Rich in cholesterol, it tends to stick to the walls in the arteries. Sometimes called "bad cholesterol."

Meal plan

A guide to help people get the proper amount of calories, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, and fiber in their diet. See also Food Exchanges.

Mononeuropathy

A form of diabetic neuropathy affecting a single nerve. The eye is a common site for this form of nerve damage. See also: Neuropathy.

Nephropathy

See Diabetic Kidney Disease.

Disease of the nervous system. Many people who have had diabetes for a while have nerve damage. The three major forms of nerve damage are: peripheral neuropathy, autonomic neuropathy, and mononeuropathy. The most common form is peripheral neuropathy, which mainly affects the feet and legs. See also: Peripheral Neuropathy; Autonomic Neuropathy; Mononeuropathy. See Diabetic Nerve Damage.

Non-insulin-dependent diabetes

See Type II diabetes.

Pancreas

An organ in the body that makes insulin so that the body can use glucose for energy. The pancreas also makes enzymes that help the body digest food.

Periodontitis

A gum disease in which the gums shrink away from the teeth. Without treatment, it can lead to tooth loss.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Nerve damage, usually affecting the feet and legs; causing pain, numbness, or a tingling feeling. Also called "somatic neuropathy" or "distal sensory polyneuropathy."

Plaque

A film of mucus that traps bacteria on the surface of the teeth. Plaque can be removed with daily brushing and flossing of teeth.

Retinopathy

A disease of the small blood vessels in the retina of the eye. See also: Diabetic Retinopathy

Risk factors

Traits that make it more likely that a person will get an illness. For example, a risk factor for getting Type II diabetes is having a family history of diabetes.

Self-monitoring blood glucose

A way for people with diabetes to find out how much glucose is in their blood. A drop of blood from the fingertip is placed on a special coated strip of paper that "reads" (often through an electronic meter) the amount of glucose in the blood.

Stroke

Damage to part of the brain that happens when the blood vessels supplying that part are blocked, such as when the blood vessels are clogged with fats (a condition sometimes called hardening of the arteries).

Support group

A group of people who share a similar problem or concern. The people in the group help one another by sharing experiences, knowledge, and information.

Type I Diabetes

A condition in which the pancreas makes so little insulin that the body can't use blood glucose as energy. Type I diabetes most often occurs in people younger than age 30 and must be controlled with daily insulin injections.

Type II Diabetes

A condition in which the body either makes too little insulin and/or can't use the insulin it makes properly to use blood glucose as energy. Type II diabetes most often occurs in people older than age 40 and can often be controlled through meal plans and physical activity plans. Some people with Type II diabetes have to take diabetes pills or insulin.

Ulcer

A break or deep sore in the skin. Germs can enter an ulcer and may be hard to heal.

Ultralente Insulin

A type of insulin that is long acting.

Unit of Insulin

The basic measure of insulin. U-100 insulin means 100 units of insulin per milliliter (mL) or cubic centimeter (cc) of solution. Most insulin made today in the United States is U-100.

Unstable Diabetes

A type of diabetes when a person's blood glucose (sugar) level often swings quickly from high to low and from low to high. Also called "brittle diabetes" or "labile diabetes."

Vein

A blood vessel that carries blood to the heart.

Vitrectomy

An operation to remove the blood that sometimes collects at the back of the eyes when a person has eye disease.

Yeast infection

An infection that is usually caused by a fungus. Women who have this infection vaginally may feel itching, burning when urinating, and pain, and some women have a vaginal discharge. Yeast infections occur more frequently in women with diabetes.