Diabetes Dictionary
Reference all words and terms used in the diabetes world.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
A
acanthosis (uh-kan-THO-sis) nigricans (NIH-grih-kans): a skin condition characterized by
darkened skin patches; common in people whose body is not responding correctly
to the insulin that they make in their pancreas (insulin resistance). This skin condition is also seen in
people who have pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes.
acarbose (AK-er-bose): an oral medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes.
It blocks the enzymes that digest starches in food. The result is a slower
and lower rise in blood glucose throughout the day, especially right after meals. Belongs to the class of medicines called alpha-glucosidase inhibitors. (Brand name: Precose.)
ACE
inhibitor: an oral medicine that lowers blood pressure;
ACE stands for angiotensin (an-gee-oh-TEN-sin)
converting enzyme. For people with diabetes, especially those who have protein (albumin)
in the urine, it also helps slow down kidney damage.
acesulfame (a-see-SUL-fame) potassium (puh-TAS-ee-um): a
dietary sweetener with no calories and no nutritional value. Also known as acesulfame-K. (Brand
name: Sunett.)
acetohexamide (a-see-toh-HEX-uh-myde): an oral medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes.
It lowers blood glucose by helping the pancreas make more insulin and
by helping the body better use the insulin it makes. Belongs
to the class of medicines called sulfonylureas. (Brand name: Dymelor.)
Actos: see pioglitazone.
acute: describes something that happens suddenly and for a
short time. Opposite of chronic.
adhesive capsulitis (cap-soo-LITE-is): a condition of the shoulder associated with diabetes
that results in pain and loss of the ability to move the shoulder in all
directions.
adult-onset
diabetes: former term for type 2 diabetes.
AGEs (A-G-EEZ): stands for advanced glycosylation (gly-KOH-sih-LAY-shun) endproducts. AGEs are produced in the body when glucose links
with protein. They play a role in damaging blood vessels, which
can lead to diabetes complications.
albuminuria (al-BYOO-mih-NOO-ree-uh): a condition in which the urine has more than normal amounts of a protein called albumin. Albuminuria may be a sign of nephropathy (kidney disease).
alpha (AL-fa) cell: a
type of cell in the pancreas. Alpha cells make and release a hormone called glucagon. The body sends a signal to
the alpha cells to make glucagon when blood
glucose falls too low. Then glucagon
reaches the liver where it tells it to release glucose into
the blood for energy.
alpha-glucosidase (AL-fa-gloo-KOH-sih-days) inhibitor: a class of oral medicine for type 2 diabetes that
blocks enzymes that digest starches in food. The result is a slower
and lower rise in blood glucose throughout the day, especially right after meals.
(Generic names: acarbose and miglitol.)
Amaryl: see glimepiride.
amylin (AM-ih-lin): a hormone formed by beta cells in
the pancreas. Amylin regulates the
timing of glucose release into the bloodstream after eating by slowing
the emptying of the stomach.
amyotrophy (a-my-AH-truh-fee): a type of neuropathy resulting in pain, weakness, and/or
wasting in the muscles.
anemia (uh-NEE-mee-uh): a
condition in which the number of red blood cells is less than normal, resulting
in less oxygen being carried to the body’s cells.
angiopathy (an-gee-AH-puh-thee):
any disease of the blood vessels (veins, arteries,
capillaries) or lymphatic vessels.
antibodies (AN-ti-bod-eez):
proteins made
by the body to protect itself from “foreign” substances such as bacteria or
viruses. People get type
1 diabetes when their bodies make antibodies
that destroy the body’s own insulin-making beta
cells.
A1C: a test that
measures a person’s average blood glucose level over the past 2 to 3 months. Hemoglobin (HEE-mo-glo-bin) is the part of a red blood cell that carries
oxygen to the cells and sometimes joins with the glucose in the bloodstream. Also called
hemoglobin A1C or glycosylated (gly-KOH-sih-lay-ted) hemoglobin, the test shows the amount of
glucose that sticks to the red blood cell, which is proportional to the amount
of glucose in the blood.
ARB: an oral medicine that lowers blood pressure; ARB
stands for angiotensin (an-gee-oh-TEN-sin) receptor
blocker.
arteriosclerosis (ar-TEER-ee-oh-skluh-RO-sis): hardening of the arteries.
artery: a large blood
vessel that carries blood with oxygen
from the heart to all parts of the body.
aspart (ASS-part) insulin: a rapid-acting insulin. On average, aspart insulin
starts to lower blood glucose within 10 to 20 minutes after injection.
It has its strongest effect 1 to 3 hours after injection but keeps working for
3 to 5 hours after injection.
aspartame (ASS-per-tame): a dietary sweetener with almost
no calories and no nutritional value. (Brand names: Equal,
NutraSweet.)
atherosclerosis (ATH-uh-row-skluh-RO-sis): clogging, narrowing, and hardening of the body’s large arteries and medium-sized blood
vessels. Atherosclerosis can lead to stroke,
heart attack, eye problems, and kidney problems.
autoimmune (AW-toh-ih-MYOON) disease: disorder of the body’s immune system in
which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys body tissue that it
believes to be foreign.
autonomic (aw-toh-NOM-ik) neuropathy
(ne-ROP-uh-thee): a type of neuropathy affecting the lungs, heart, stomach, intestines,
bladder, or genitals.
Avandia: see rosiglitazone.
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B
background retinopathy (REH-tih-NOP-uh-thee): a type of damage to the retina of the eye marked by bleeding, fluid accumulation, and abnormal dilation of the blood vessels. Background retinopathy is an early stage of diabetic retinopathy. Also called simple or nonproliferative (non-pro-LIF-er-uh-tiv) retinopathy.
basal rate: a steady trickle of low levels of longer-acting insulin, such as that used in insulin pumps.
beta cell: a cell that makes insulin. Beta cells are located in the islets of the pancreas.
biguanide (by-GWAH-nide): a class of oral medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes that lowers blood glucose by reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver and by helping the body respond better to insulin. (Generic name: metformin.)
blood glucose: the main sugar found in the blood and the body’s main source of energy. Also called blood sugar.
blood glucose level: the amount of glucose in a given amount of blood. It is noted in milligrams in a deciliter, or mg/dL.
blood glucose meter: a small, portable machine used by people with diabetes to check their blood glucose levels. After pricking the skin with a lancet, one places a drop of blood on a test strip in the machine. The meter (or monitor) soon displays the blood glucose level as a number on the meter’s digital display.
blood glucose monitoring: checking blood glucose level on a regular basis in order to manage diabetes. A blood glucose meter (or blood glucose test strips that change color when touched by a blood sample) is needed for frequent blood glucose monitoring.
blood pressure: the force of blood exerted on the inside walls of blood vessels. Blood pressure is expressed as a ratio (example: 120/80, read as “120 over 80”). The first number is the systolic (sis-TAH-lik) pressure, or the pressure when the heart pushes blood out into the arteries. The second number is the diastolic (DY-uh-STAH-lik) pressure, or the pressure when the heart rests.
blood sugar: see blood glucose.
blood sugar level: see blood glucose level.
blood urea (yoo-REE-uh) nitrogen (NY-truh-jen) (BUN): a waste product in the blood from the breakdown of protein. The kidneys filter blood to remove urea. As kidney function decreases, the BUN levels increase.
blood vessels: tubes that carry blood to and from all parts of the body. The three main types of blood vessels are arteries, veins, and capillaries.
BMI: see body mass index.
body mass index (BMI): a measure used to evaluate body weight relative to a person’s height.
BMI is used to find out if a person is underweight, normal weight, overweight, or obese. Multiply body weight in pounds by 703. Divide that number by height in inches. Divide that number by height in inches again. Find the resulting Below 18.5 Under-weight 18.5–24.9 Normal weight 25.0–29.9 Over-weight 30.0 and above Obese To find BMI: number in the chart below.
bolus (BOH-lus): an extra amount of insulin taken to cover an expected rise in blood glucose, often related to a meal or snack.
borderline diabetes: a former term for type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance.
brittle diabetes: a term used when a person’s blood glucose level moves often from low to high and from high to low.
BUN: see blood urea nitrogen.
bunion (BUN-yun): a bulge on the first joint of the big toe, caused by the swelling of a fluid sac under the skin. This spot can become red, sore, and infected.
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C
callus: a small area of skin, usually on the foot, that has become thick
and hard from rubbing or pressure.
calorie: a unit representing the energy provided by food. Carbohydrate, protein, fat, and alcohol provide calories in the diet.
Carbohydrate and protein have 4 calories per gram, fat has 9 calories per gram,
and alcohol has 7 calories per gram.
capillary (KAP-ih-lair-ee): the smallest of the body’s blood vessels. Oxygen and glucose pass through capillary walls and enter the cells. Waste products such
as carbon dioxide pass back from the cells into the blood through capillaries.
capsaicin (kap-SAY-ih-sin): an ingredient in hot peppers that can be found in ointment form
for use on the skin to relieve pain from diabetic neuropathy.
carbohydrate (kar-boh-HY-drate): one of the three main nutrients in food.
Foods that provide carbohydrate are starches, vegetables, fruits, dairy products, and sugars.
Sources of carbohydrate
carbohydrate counting: a method of meal planning for people with
diabetes based on counting the number of grams of carbohydrate in food.
cardiologist (kar-dee-AH-luh-jist):
a doctor who treats people who
have heart problems.
cardiovascular (KAR-dee-oh-VASK-yoo-ler) disease: disease of the heart and blood vessels (arteries, veins, and capillaries).
cataract (KA-ter-act): clouding of the lens of the eye.
CDE: see certified diabetes educator.
cerebrovascular (seh-REE-broh-VASK-yoo-ler)
disease: damage to blood vessels in the brain. Vessels can burst and bleed
or become clogged with fatty deposits. When blood flow is interrupted, brain
cells die or are damaged, resulting in a stroke.
certified diabetes educator (CDE): a health care professional with expertise in diabetes education
who has met eligibility requirements and successfully completed a certification
exam. See diabetes educator.
Charcot’s (shar-KOHZ) foot: a condition in which the joints and soft tissue in the foot are
destroyed; it results from damage to the nerves.
cheiroarthropathy (KY-roh-ar-THRAHP-uh-thee): see limited joint
mobility.
cheiropathy (ky-RAH-puh-thee):
see limited joint
mobility.
chlorpropamide (klor-PROH-pah-mide): an oral medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes. It lowers blood glucose levels by helping the pancreas make more insulin and by helping the body better use the
insulin it makes. Belongs to the class of medicines called sulfonylureas. (Brand name: Diabinese.)
cholesterol (koh-LES-ter-all): a type of fat produced by the liver and found in the blood; it is also found in some foods. Cholesterol
is used by the body to make hormones and build cell walls.
chronic: describes something that is long-lasting. Opposite
of acute.
circulation: the flow of blood through the body’s blood vessels and heart.
coma: a sleep-like state in
which a person is not conscious. May be caused by hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) or hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) in people with diabetes.
combination oral medicines: a pill that includes two or more different
medicines. See Glucovance.
combination therapy: the use of different medicines together (oral hypoglycemic agents or an oral hypoglycemic agent and insulin) to manage the blood glucose levels of people with type 2 diabetes.
complications: harmful effects of diabetes such as damage to the
eyes, heart, blood vessels, nervous system, teeth and gums, feet and skin, or kidneys.
Studies show that keeping blood
glucose, blood pressure, and low-density lipoprotein
cholesterol levels close to normal can help
prevent or delay these problems.
congenital (kun-JEN-ih-tul) defects: problems
or conditions that are present at birth.
congestive heart failure: loss
of the heart’s pumping power, which causes fluids to collect in the body,
especially in the feet and lungs.
conventional therapy: a
term used in clinical trials where one group receives treatment for diabetes in
which A1C and blood
glucose levels are kept at levels based on
current practice guidelines. However, the goal is not to keep blood glucose
levels as close to normal as possible, as is done in intensive therapy. Conventional therapy includes use of medication,
meal planning, and exercise, along with regular visits to health care
providers.
coronary artery disease: see coronary heart disease.
coronary (KOR-uh-ner-ee) heart disease: heart
disease caused by narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart.
If the blood supply is cut off the result is a heart attack.
C-peptide (see-peptide): “Connecting peptide,” a substance the pancreas releases
into the bloodstream in equal amounts to insulin. A test of C-peptide levels
shows how much insulin the body is making.
creatinine (kree-AT-ih-nin): a waste product from protein in
the diet and from the muscles of the body. Creatinine
is removed from the body by the kidneys; as kidney disease progresses, the level of creatinine in the blood increases.
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D
dawn phenomenon (feh-NAH-meh-nun): the early-morning (4 a.m. to 8 a.m.) rise in blood glucose level.
DCCT: see Diabetes Control and
Complications Trial.
dehydration (dee-hy-DRAY-shun): the loss of too much body fluid
through frequent urinating, sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting.
dermopathy (dur-MAH-puh-thee): disease of the skin.
desensitization (dee-sens-ih-tiz-A-shun): a way to reduce or stop a response such as an allergic
reaction to something. For example, if someone has an allergic reaction to
something, the doctor gives the person a very small amount of the substance at
first to increase one’s tolerance. Over a period of time, larger doses are
given until the person is taking the full dose. This is one way to help the
body get used to the full dose and to prevent the allergic reaction.
dextrose (DECKS-trohss), also
called glucose: simple sugar found in blood that serves as the
body’s main source of energy.
DiaBeta: see glyburide.
diabetes: see diabetes mellitus.
Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT): a study by the National Institute of Diabetes and
Digestive and Kidney Diseases, conducted from 1983 to 1993 in people with type 1 diabetes.
The study showed that intensive
therapy compared to conventional therapy significantly helped prevent or delay diabetes complications.
Intensive therapy included multiple daily insulin
injections or the use of an insulin pump with
multiple blood glucose readings each day. Complications followed in the study
included diabetic retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy.
diabetes educator: a
health care professional who teaches people who have diabetes how to manage
their diabetes. Some diabetes educators are certified diabetes educators (CDEs). Diabetes educators are found in hospitals,
physician offices, managed care organizations, home health care, and other
settings.
diabetes insipidus (in-SIP-ih-dus): a condition
characterized by frequent and heavy urination, excessive thirst, and an overall
feeling of weakness. This condition may be caused by a defect in the pituitary
gland or in the kidney. In diabetes insipidus, blood glucose levels are normal.
diabetes mellitus (MELL-ih-tus): a condition characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from the body’s inability to use blood glucose for energy. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas no longer makes insulin and therefore blood glucose cannot enter the cells to be used for
energy. In type 2 diabetes, either the pancreas does not make enough
insulin or the body is unable to use insulin correctly.
Diabetes Prevention
Program (DPP): a study by the
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases conducted from
1998 to 2001 in people at high risk for type 2 diabetes. All study participants had impaired glucose tolerance, also called pre-diabetes, and were overweight. The study showed that people who lost 5 to 7 percent of their body
weight through a low-fat, low-calorie diet and moderate exercise (usually
walking for 30 minutes 5 days a week) reduced their risk of getting type 2
diabetes by 58 percent. Participants who received treatment with the oral
diabetes drug metformin reduced their risk of
getting type 2 diabetes by 31 percent.
diabetic diarrhea (dy-uh-REE-uh): loose stools, fecal incontinence, or both that
result from an overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine and diabetic neuropathy in the intestines. This nerve damage can
also result in constipation.
diabetic eye disease: see diabetic retinopathy.
diabetic ketoacidosis (KEY-toe-ass-ih-DOH-sis)
(DKA): an emergency
condition in which extremely high blood glucose levels, along with a severe lack of insulin, result in the breakdown of body fat for energy and an accumulation of ketones in the blood and urine. Signs of DKA are nausea and vomiting, stomach pain, fruity
breath odor, and rapid breathing. Untreated DKA can lead to coma and death.
diabetic myelopathy (my-eh-LAH-puh-thee): damage to the spinal cord found in some people with diabetes.
diabetic nephropathy: see nephropathy.
diabetic neuropathy: see neuropathy.
diabetic retinopathy (REH-tih-NOP-uh-thee): diabetic eye disease; damage to
the small blood vessels in the retina. Loss of vision may result.
diabetogenic (DY-uh-beh-toh-JEN-ic): causing diabetes. For example, some drugs cause blood glucose levels to rise, resulting in diabetes.
diabetologist (DY-uh-beh-TAH-luh-jist): a doctor who specializes in treating people who have
diabetes.
Diabinese: see chlorpropamide.
diagnosis (DY-ug-NO-sis): the determination of a disease from its signs and
symptoms.
dialysis (dy-AL-ih-sis): the process of cleaning wastes from the blood
artificially. This job is normally done by the kidneys.
If the kidneys fail, the blood must be cleaned artificially with special
equipment. The two major forms of dialysis are hemodialysis
and peritoneal dialysis.
- hemodialysis (HE-mo-dy-AL-ih-sis): the
use of a machine to clean wastes from the blood after the kidneys have failed.
The blood travels through tubes to a dialyzer (DY-uh-LY-zur),
a machine that removes wastes and extra fluid. The cleaned blood then goes back
into the body.
- peritoneal (PEH-rih-tuh-NEE-ul) dialysis: cleaning the blood by using the lining of the abdomen
as a filter. A cleansing solution called dialysate (dy-AL-ih-sate) is infused from a
bag into the abdomen. Fluids and wastes flow through the lining of the belly
and remain “trapped” in the dialysate. The dialysate is then drained from the belly, removing the
extra fluids and wastes from the body.
dietitian (DY-eh-TIH-shun): a
health care professional who advises people about meal planning, weight
control, and diabetes management. A registered dietitian (RD) has more
training.
dilated (DY-lay-ted) eye exam: a test done by an eye care specialist in which the
pupil (the black center) of the eye is temporarily enlarged with eyedrops to allow the specialist to see the inside of the
eye more easily.
DKA: see diabetic
ketoacidosis.
D-phenylalanine (dee-fen-nel-AL-ah-neen) derivative: a
class of oral medicine for type
2 diabetes that lowers blood glucose levels by helping the pancreas make more insulin right after meals. (Generic name:
nateglinide.)
DPP: see Diabetes
Prevention Program.
Dupuytren’s (doo-PWEE-trenz)
contracture (kon-TRACK-chur): a condition associated with diabetes in which the
fingers and the palm of the hand thicken and shorten, causing the fingers to
curve inward.
Dymelor: see acetohexamide.
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E
edema (eh-DEE-muh): swelling
caused by excess fluid in the body.
electromyography (ee-LEK-troh-my-AH-gruh-fee) (EMG): a
test used to detect nerve function. It measures the electrical activity
generated by muscles.
EMG: see electromyography.
endocrine (EN-doh-krin)
gland: a group of specialized cells that
release hormones into the blood. For example, the islets in
the pancreas, which secrete insulin, are endocrine glands.
endocrinologist (EN-doh-krih-NAH-luh-jist): a doctor who treats people who have endocrine gland problems
such as diabetes.
end-stage renal disease (ESRD):
see kidney
failure.
enzyme (EN-zime): protein made
by the body that brings about a chemical reaction, for example, the enzymes
produced by the gut to aid digestion.
erectile dysfunction: see impotence.
euglycemia (you-gly-SEEM-ee-uh): a normal level of glucose in the blood.
exchange lists: one
of several approaches for diabetes meal planning. Foods are categorized into
three groups based on their nutritional content. Lists provide the serving
sizes for carbohydrates, meat and meat alternatives, and fats.
These lists allow for substitution for different groups to keep the nutritional
content fixed.
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F
fasting blood glucose test: a check of a person’s blood glucose level after the person has not eaten for 8 to 12 hours
(usually overnight). This test is used to diagnose pre-diabetes and
diabetes. It is also used to monitor people with diabetes.
fat: 1.
One of the three main nutrients in food. Foods that provide fat are butter,
margarine, salad dressing, oil, nuts, meat, poultry, fish, and some dairy
products. 2. Excess calories are stored as body fat, providing
the body with a reserve supply of energy and other functions.
fluorescein (fluh-RESS-ee-in) angiography (an-gee-AH-grah-fee): a test to examine blood vessels in
the eye; done by injecting dye into an arm vein and then taking photos as the dye
goes through the eye’s blood vessels.
fructosamine (frook-TOH-sah-meen) test: measures the number of blood glucose molecules
(MAH-leh-kyools) linked to protein molecules
in the blood. The test provides information on the average blood glucose level for the past 3 weeks.
fructose (FROOK-tohss): a sugar that occurs naturally in fruits
and honey. Fructose has 4 calories per gram.
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G
gangrene (GANG-green): the
death of body tissue, most often caused by a lack of blood flow and infection.
It can lead to amputation.
gastroparesis (gas-tro-puh-REE-sis): a
form of neuropathy that affects the stomach. Digestion of food may be
incomplete or delayed, resulting in nausea, vomiting, or bloating, making blood glucose control
difficult.
gestational (jes-TAY-shun-ul) diabetes mellitus (MELL-ih-tus) (GDM): a
type of diabetes mellitus that develops only during pregnancy and usually
disappears upon delivery, but increases the risk that the mother will develop
diabetes later. GDM is managed with meal planning, activity, and, in some
cases, insulin.
gingivitis (JIN-jih-VY-tis): a
condition of the gums characterized by inflammation and bleeding.
gland: a group of cells that secrete
substances. Endocrine glands secrete hormones. Exocrine glands secrete salt, enzymes, and
water.
glargine (GLAR-jeen) insulin: very-long-acting insulin. On average, glargine
insulin starts to lower blood
glucose levels within 1 hour after injection and
keeps working evenly for 24 hours after injection.
glaucoma (glaw-KOH-muh): an
increase in fluid pressure inside the eye that may lead to loss of vision.
glimepiride (gly-MEH-per-ide): an
oral medicine used to treat type
2 diabetes. It lowers blood glucose by
helping the pancreas make more insulin and by helping the body better
use the insulin it makes. Belongs to the class of medicines
called sulfonylureas. (Brand name: Amaryl.)
glipizide (GLIH-pih-zide): an
oral medicine used to treat type
2 diabetes. It lowers blood glucose by
helping the pancreas make more insulin and by helping the body better
use the insulin it makes. Belongs to the class of medicines
called sulfonylureas. (Brand names: Glucotrol, Glucotrol XL.)
glomerular (glo-MEHR-yoo-lur) filtration rate: measure of the kidney’s ability to filter and remove
waste products.
glomeruli (glo-MEHR-yoo-lie): plural of glomerulus.
glomerulus (glo-MEHR-yoo-lus): a tiny set of looping blood vessels in
the kidney where the blood is filtered and waste products are
removed.
glucagon (GLOO-kah-gahn): a hormone produced by the alpha
cells in the pancreas.
It raises blood glucose. An injectable form of
glucagon, available by prescription, may be used to treat severe hypoglycemia.
Glucophage, Glucophage XR: see metformin.
glucose: one
of the simplest forms of sugar.
glucose tablets: chewable
tablets made of pure glucose used for treating hypoglycemia.
glucose tolerance test: see oral glucose tolerance test.
Glucotrol, Glucotrol XL: see glipizide.
Glucovance: an
oral medicine used to treat type
2 diabetes.
It is a combination of glyburide and metformin.
glyburide (GLY-buh-ride): an oral medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes.
It lowers blood glucose by helping the pancreas make more insulin and
by helping the body better use the insulin it makes. Belongs
to the class of medicines called sulfonylureas.
(Brand names: DiaBeta, Glynase
PresTab, Micronase;
ingredient in Glucovance.)
glycemic (gly-SEE-mik) index: a ranking of carbohydrate-containing foods, based on the food’s effect on blood glucose compared
with a standard reference food.
glycogen (GLY-koh-jen): the
form of glucose found in the liver and muscles.
glycosuria (gly-koh-SOOR-ee-ah): the presence of glucose in the urine.
glycosylated hemoglobin: see A1C.
Glynase PresTab: see glyburide.
Glyset: see miglitol.
gram: a
unit of weight in the metric system. An ounce equals 28 grams. In some meal plans for
people with diabetes, the suggested amounts of food are given in grams.
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H
HDL cholesterol (kuh-LESS-tuh-rawl), stands
for high-density lipoprotein (LIP-oh-PRO-teen) cholesterol: a fat found
in the blood that takes extra cholesterol from the blood to the liver for
removal. Sometimes called “good” cholesterol.
hemodialysis: see dialysis.
hemoglobin A1C test: see A1C.
heredity: the
passing of a trait from parent to child.
HHNS: see hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic
syndrome.
high blood glucose: see hyperglycemia.
high blood pressure: see hypertension.
high-density lipoprotein cholesterol: see HDL
cholesterol.
HLA: see human
leukocyte antigens.
home glucose monitor: see blood glucose meter.
honeymoon phase: temporary
remission of hyperglycemia that occurs in some people newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes,
when some insulin secretion resumes for a short time, usually a few
months, before stopping again.
hormone: a chemical produced in one part of the body and
released into the blood to trigger or regulate particular functions of the
body. For example, insulin is a hormone made in the pancreas that
tells other cells when to use glucose for energy. Synthetic hormones,
made for use as medicines, can be the same or different from those made in the
body.
human leukocyte antigens (HLA): proteins located
on the surface of the cell that help the immune
system identify the cell either as one
belonging to the body or as one from outside the body. Some patterns of these
proteins may mean increased risk of developing type 1 diabetes.
hyperglycemia (HY-per-gly-SEE-mee-uh): excessive blood glucose. Fasting hyperglycemia is blood glucose above a
desirable level after a person has fasted for at least 8 hours. Postprandial
hyperglycemia is blood glucose above a desirable level 1 to 2 hours after a
person has eaten.
hyperinsulinemia (HY-per-IN-suh-lih-NEE-mee-uh): a condition in which the level of insulin in
the blood is higher than normal. Caused by overproduction of
insulin by the body. Related to insulin
resistance.
hyperlipidemia (HY-per-li-pih-DEE-mee-uh): higher than normal fat and cholesterol levels in the blood.
hyperosmolar (HY-per-oz-MOH-lur)
hyperglycemic (HY-per-gly-SEE-mik)
nonketotic (non-kee-TAH-tik) syndrome (HHNS): an emergency condition in which one’s blood glucose level is very high and ketones are
not present in the blood or urine. If HHNS is not treated, it can
lead to coma or death.
hypertension (HY-per-TEN-shun): a condition present when blood flows through the blood vessels with
a force greater than normal. Also called high blood
pressure. Hypertension can strain the heart, damage blood
vessels, and increase the risk of checking blood pressure.
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I
impaired glucose tolerance (IGT): a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but are not high enough for a
diagnosis of diabetes. IGT, also called pre-diabetes, is a level of 140 mg/dL to 199 mg/dL 2 hours after
the start of an oral glucose tolerance test. Most people with pre-diabetes are at increased risk
for developing type 2 diabetes. Other names for IGT that are no longer used are
“borderline,” “subclinical,” “chemical,” or “latent”
diabetes.
implantable (im-PLAN-tuh-bull) insulin pump: a
small pump placed inside the body to deliver insulin in
response to remote-control commands from the user.
impotence (IM-po-tents): the inability to get or maintain an erection for
sexual activity. Also called erectile (ee-REK-tile)
dysfunction (dis-FUNK-shun).
incidence (IN-sih-dints): a measure of how often a disease occurs; the number of
new cases of a disease among a certain group of people for a certain period of
time.
incontinence (in-KON-tih-nents): loss of bladder or bowel control; the accidental loss of urine or
feces.
inhaled insulin: an
experimental treatment for taking insulin using a portable device that
allows a person to breathe in insulin.
injection (in-JEK-shun): inserting
liquid medication or nutrients into the body with a syringe.
A person with diabetes may use short needles or pinch the skin and inject at an
angle to avoid an intramuscular injection of insulin.
injection site rotation: changing
the places on the body where insulin is injected. Rotation prevents the
formation of lipodystrophies.
injection sites: places
on the body where insulin is usually injected.
insulin: a hormone that helps the body use glucose for
energy. The beta cells of the pancreas make insulin. When the body
cannot make enough insulin, insulin is taken by injection or
through use of an insulin pump.
insulin adjustment: a
change in the amount of insulin a person with diabetes takes based on factors
such as meal planning, activity, and blood
glucose levels.
I Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM): former term for type
1 diabetes.
I Insulinoma (IN-suh-lih-NOH-mah): a tumor of the beta
cells in the pancreas.
An insulinoma may cause the body to make extra insulin,
leading to hypoglycemia.
I Insulin pen: a device for injecting insulin
that looks like a fountain pen and holds replaceable cartridges of insulin. Also available in disposable form.
I Insulin pump: an insulin-delivering device
about the size of a deck of cards that can be worn on a belt or kept in a
pocket. An insulin pump connects to narrow, flexible
plastic tubing that ends with a needle inserted just under the skin. Users set
the pump to give a steady trickle or basal amount of insulin continuously
throughout the day. Pumps release bolus doses of insulin (several units
at a time) at meals and at times when blood
glucose is too high, based on programming
done by the user.
insulin reaction: when
the level of glucose in the blood is too low (at or below 70 mg/dL). Also known as hypoglycemia.
insulin receptors: areas
on the outer part of a cell that allow the cell to bind with insulin in the
blood. When the cell and insulin bind, the cell can take glucose from
the blood and use it for energy.
insulin resistance: the
body’s inability to respond to and use the insulin it produces. Insulin
resistance may be linked to obesity,
hypertension, and high levels of fat in
the blood.
insulin shock: see hypoglycemia.
intensive therapy: a treatment for diabetes in which blood glucose is
kept as close to normal as possible through frequent injections or
use of an insulin pump; meal planning; adjustment of medicines; and exercise
based on blood glucose test results and frequent contact with a person’s health
care team.
intermediate-acting insulin: a type of insulin that starts to lower blood glucose within
1 to 2 hours after injection and has its strongest effect 6 to 12 hours after
injection, depending on the type used. See lente insulin and NPH insulin.
intermittent (IN-ter-MIT-ent) claudication (CLAW-dih-KAY-shun): pain
that comes and goes in the muscles of the leg. This pain results from a lack of
blood supply to the legs and usually happens when walking or exercising.
intramuscular (in-trah-MUS-kyoo-lar) injection: inserting liquid medication into a muscle with a syringe. Glucagon may be given by subcutaneous or intramuscular injection for hypoglycemia.
islet (EYE-let)
cell autoantibodies (aw-toe-AN-ti-bod-eez) (
ICA
): proteins found in the blood of people newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.
They are also found in people who may be developing type 1
diabetes. The presence of
ICA
indicates that the body’s immune
system has been damaging beta cells in
the pancreas.
islet transplantation: moving
the islets from a donor pancreas into a person whose pancreas has
stopped producing insulin. Beta
cells in the islets make the insulin
that the body needs for using blood
glucose.
islets: groups
of cells located in the pancreas that make hormones that
help the body break down and use food. For example, alpha cells make glucagon and beta
cells make insulin.
Also called islets of Langerhans
(LANG-er-hahns).
islets of Langerhans: see islets.
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J
jet injector
(in-JEK-tur): a
device that uses high pressure instead of a needle to propel insulin through
the skin and into the body.
juvenile diabetes: former term for insulin-dependent
diabetes mellitus (IDDM), or type
1 diabetes.
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K
ketoacidosis: see diabetic ketoacidosis.
ketone: a
chemical produced when there is a shortage of insulin in
the blood and the body breaks down body fat for energy.
ketonuria (key-toe-NUH-ree-ah): a condition occurring when ketones are
present in the urine, a warning sign of diabetic ketoacidosis.
ketosis (ke-TOE-sis): a ketone buildup
in the body that may lead to diabetic
ketoacidosis.
Signs of ketosis are nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.
kidney disease: see nephropathy.
kidney failure: a chronic condition in which the body retains fluid and harmful
wastes build up because the kidneys no longer work properly. A person
with kidney failure needs dialysis or a kidney transplant. Also called end-stage renal (REE-nul)
disease or ESRD.
kidneys: the two bean-shaped organs that filter wastes from the
blood and form urine. The kidneys are located near the middle of the back.
They send urine to the bladder. Kidneys
Kussmaul (KOOS-mall) breathing: the rapid, deep, and labored breathing of people who have diabetic ketoacidosis.
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L
LADA: see latent
autoimmune diabetes in adults.
lancet: a
spring-loaded device used to prick the skin with a small needle to obtain a drop
of blood for blood glucose monitoring.
laser surgery treatment: a
type of therapy that uses a strong beam of light to treat a damaged area. The
beam of light is called a laser. A laser is sometimes used to seal blood
vessels in the eye of a person with diabetes. See photocoagulation.
latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA): a condition in which type 1 diabetes develops
in adults.
LDL cholesterol: see low-density
lipoprotein cholesterol.
lente (LEN-tay) insulin: an inter-mediate-acting
insulin. On average, lente
insulin starts to lower blood
glucose levels within 1 to 2 hours after injection.
It has its strongest effect 8 to 12 hours after injection but keeps working for
18 to 24 hours after injection. Also called L insulin.
limited joint mobility: a
condition in which the joints swell and the skin of the hand becomes thick tight, and
waxy, making the joints less able to move. It may affect the fingers and arms
as well as other joints in the body.
lipid (LIP-id): a
term for fat in the body. Lipids can be broken down by the body and
used for energy.
lipid profile: a
blood test that measures total cholesterol,
triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol. LDL cholesterol is then calculated from the results. A lipid profile
is one measure of a person’s risk of cardiovascular
disease.
lipoatrophy (LIP-oh-AT-ruh-fee): loss of fat under the skin resulting in small dents. Lipoatrophy may be caused by repeated injections of insulin in the same spot.
lipodystrophy (LIP-oh-DIH-struh-fee): defect in the breaking down or building up of fat
below the surface of the skin, resulting in lumps or small dents in the skin
surface. (See lipohypertrophy or lipoatrophy.) Lipodystrophy may be
caused by repeated injections of insulin in the same spot.
lipohypertrophy (LIP-oh-hy-PER-truh-fee): buildup
of fat below the surface of the skin, causing lumps. Lipohypertrophy
may be caused by repeated injections of insulin in
the same spot.
lispro (LYZ-proh) insulin: a rapid-acting
insulin. On average, lispro
insulin starts to lower blood
glucose within 5 minutes after injection.
It has its strongest effect 30 minutes to 1 hour after injection but keeps
working for 3 hours after injection.
liver: an
organ in the body that changes food into energy, removes alcohol and poisons
from the blood, and makes bile, a substance that breaks down fats and
helps rid the body of wastes.
long-acting insulin: a type of insulin that starts to lower blood glucose within 4 to 6 hours after injection and has its strongest effect 10 to 18
hours after injection. See ultralente insulin.
low blood sugar: see hypoglycemia.
low-density
lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (kuh-LESS-tuh-rawl): a fat found in the blood
that takes cholesterol around the body to where it is needed for
cell repair and also deposits it on the inside of artery walls. Sometimes called
“bad” cholesterol.
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M
macrosomia (mack-roh-SOH-mee-ah): abnormally large; in diabetes, refers to
abnormally large babies that may be born to women with diabetes.
macrovascular (mack-roh-VASK-yoo-ler)
disease: disease of the large blood vessels, such as those found in the heart. Lipids and blood clots build up in the large
blood vessels and can cause atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.
macula (MACK-yoo-la): the part of the retina in the eye used for reading and seeing
fine detail.
macular (MACK-yoo-lur)
edema (eh-DEE-mah): swelling of the macula.
maturity-onset diabetes of the young (MODY): a kind of type 2 diabetes that accounts for 1 to 5 percent of people with diabetes. Of the
six forms identified, each is caused by a defect in a single gene.
meglitinide (meh-GLIH-tin-ide): a class of oral medicine for type 2 diabetes that lowers blood glucose by helping the pancreas make more insulin right after meals. (Generic name: repaglinide.)
metabolic syndrome: the tendency of several conditions to occur together, including obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes or pre-diabetes, hypertension, and high lipids.
metabolism: the term for the way
cells chemically change food so that it can be used to store or use energy and
make the proteins, fats, and sugars needed by the body.
metformin (met-FOR-min): an oral medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes. It lowers blood glucose by reducing the amount of glucose produced by the liver and helping the body respond better to the insulin made in the pancreas. Belongs to the class
of medicines called biguanides. (Brand names: Glucophage, Glucophage XR; an
ingredient in Glucovance.)
mg/dL: milligrams (MILL-ih-grams) per deciliter
(DESS-ih-lee-tur), a unit
of measure that shows the concentration of a substance in a specific amount of
fluid. In the
United States
, blood glucose test results are reported as mg/dL. Medical journals and other countries use millimoles per liter (mmol/L). To convert to mg/dL from mmol/L, multiply mmol/L by 18.
Example: 10 mmol/L × 18 = 180 mg/dL.
microalbumin (MY-kro-al-BYOO-min): small amounts of the protein called albumin in the urine detectable with a special lab test.
microaneurysm (MY-kro-AN-yeh-rizm): a small swelling that forms on the side of
tiny blood vessels. These small swellings may break and
allow blood to leak into nearby tissue. People with diabetes may get microaneurysms in the retina of the eye.
Micronase: see glyburide.
microvascular (MY-kro-VASK-yoo-ler) disease: disease of the smallest blood vessels,
such as those found in the eyes, nerves, and kidneys.
The walls of the vessels become abnormally thick but weak. Then they bleed,
leak protein, and slow the flow of blood to the cells.
miglitol (MIG-lih-tall): an oral medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes.
It blocks the enzymes that digest starches in food. The result is a slower
and lower rise in blood glucose throughout the day, especially right after meals. Belongs to the class of medicines called alpha-glucosidase
inhibitors. (Brand name: Glyset.)
mixed dose: a combination of two types of insulin in
one injection. Usually a rapid-or short-acting
insulin is combined with a longer acting
insulin (such as NPH insulin) to provide both short-term and long-term control of blood glucose levels.
mmol/L: millimoles per liter, a unit of measure that shows the
concentration of a substance in a specific amount of fluid. In most of the
world, except for the
United
States
, blood
glucose test results are reported as mmol/L. In the
United States
, milligrams
per deciliter (mg/dL)
is used. To convert to mmol/L from mg/dL, divide mg/dL by 18. Example: 180 mg/dL ÷ 18 = 10 mmol/L.
MODY: see maturity-onset
diabetes of the young.
monitor: see blood glucose meter.
monofilament: a
short piece of nylon, like a hairbrush bristle, mounted on a wand. To check
sensitivity of the nerves in the foot, the doctor touches the filament to the
bottom of the foot.
mononeuropathy (MAH-noh-ne-ROP-uh-thee): neuropathy affecting
a single nerve.
myocardial (my-oh-KAR-dee-ul) infarction (in-FARK-shun): an interruption in the blood supply to the heart
because of narrowed or blocked blood
vessels. Also called a
heart attack.
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N
nateglinide (neh-TEH-glin-ide): an oral medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes. It lowers blood glucose levels by helping the pancreas make more insulin right after meals. Belongs
to the class of medicines called D-phenylala-nine
derivatives. (Brand name: Starlix.)
necrobiosis (NEK-roh-by-OH-sis)
lipoidica (lih-POY-dik-ah) diabeticorum (DY-uh-bet-ih-KOR-um): a skin condition usually on the lower part of the legs. Lesions
can be small or extend over a large area. They are usually raised, yellow, and
waxy in appearance and often have a purple border.
neovascularization (NEE-oh-VASK-yoo-ler-ih-ZAY-shun): the growth of new, small blood vessels. In the retina, this may lead to loss of vision or
blindness.
nephrologist (neh-FRAH-luh-jist): a doctor who treats
people who have kidney problems.
nephropathy (neh-FROP-uh-thee): disease of the kidneys. Hyperglycemia and hypertension can damage the kidneys’ glomeruli. When the kidneys are damaged, protein leaks out of the kidneys into the urine. Damaged kidneys can no longer remove
waste and extra fluids from the bloodstream. used to
measure for nerve damage; one way to diagnose
neuropathy.
nerve disease: see neuropathy.
neurologist (ne-RAH-luh-jist): a doctor who specializes in problems of the
nervous system, such as neuropathy.
neuropathy (ne-ROP-uh-thee): disease of the nervous system. The three major
forms in people with diabetes are peripheral neuropathy, autonomic neuropathy, and mononeuropathy. The most common form is peripheral
neuropathy, which affects mainly the legs and feet.
NIDDM: see noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
mellitus (NIDDM): former term for type 2 diabetes.
noninvasive (NON-in-VAY-siv) blood glucose
monitoring: measuring blood glucose without pricking the finger to obtain a
blood sample.
NPH
insulin: an intermediate-acting insulin;
NPH stands for neutral protamine Hagedorn.
On average, NPH insulin starts to lower blood
glucose within 1 to 2 hours after injection.
It has its strongest effect 6 to 10 hours after injection but keeps working
about 10 hours after injection. Also called N insulin.
nutritionist (noo-TRIH-shuh-nist): a person with training in nutrition; may or may not
have specialized training and qualifications. See dietitian.
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O
obesity: a
condition in which a greater than normal amount of fat is in the body; more severe
than overweight; having a body mass index of 30 or
more.
obstetrician (ob-steh-TRIH-shun): a doctor who treats pregnant women and delivers babies.
OGTT: see oral glucose tolerance test.
ophthalmologist (AHF-thal-MAH-luh-jist): a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats all eye
diseases and eye disorders. Opthalmologists can also
prescribe glasses and contact lenses. optician (ahp-TI-shun): a health care professional who
dispenses glasses and lenses.
optometrist (ahp-TAH-meh-trist): a primary eye care provider who prescribes glasses and
contact lenses. Optometrists can diagnose and treat certain eye conditions and
diseases.
oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): a test to diagnose pre-diabetes and
diabetes. The oral glucose tolerance test is given by a health care
professional after an overnight fast. A blood sample is taken, then the patient drinks a high-glucose beverage.
Blood samples are taken at intervals for 2 to 3 hours. Test results are
compared with a standard and show how the body uses glucose over time.
oral hypoglycemic (hy-po-gly-SEE-mik)
agents: medicines taken by mouth by
people with type 2 diabetes to keep blood glucose levels as
close to normal as possible. Classes of oral hypoglycemic agents are alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, biguanides,
D-phenylalanine derivatives, meglitinides, sulfonylureas, and thiazolidinediones.
Orinase: see tolbutamide.
overweight: an
above-normal body weight; having a body mass index of 25 to 29.9.
fits glasses.
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P
pancreas (PAN-kree-us): an organ that makes insulin and enzymes for digestion. The pancreas is located behind the lower part of
the stomach and is about the size of a hand. Pancreas
pancreas transplantation: a surgical procedure to take a healthy
whole or partial pancreas from a donor and place it into a person with
diabetes.
pediatric (pee-dee-AT-rik)
endocrinologist (en-doh-krih-NAH-luh-jist): a doctor who treats children who have endocrine gland problems such as diabetes.
pedorthist (ped-OR-thist): a health care professional who specializes in fitting shoes for
people with disabilities or deformities. A pedorthist
can custom-make shoes or orthotics (special inserts for shoes).
periodontal (PER-ee-oh-DON-tul)
disease: disease of the gums.
periodontist (PER-ee-oh-DON-tist): a dentist who specializes in treating people who have gum
diseases.
peripheral (puh-RIF-uh-rul)
neuropathy (ne-ROP-uh-thee): nerve damage that affects the feet, legs, or hands. Peripheral
neuropathy causes pain, numbness, or a tingling feeling.
peripheral (puh-RIF-uh-rul)
vascular (VAS-kyoo-ler)
disease (PVD): a disease of the
large blood vessels of the arms, legs, and feet. PVD may occur
when major blood vessels in these areas are blocked and do not receive enough
blood. The signs of PVD are aching pains and slow-healing foot sores.
peritoneal dialysis: see dialysis.
pharmacist (FAR-mah-sist): a health care
professional who prepares and distributes medicine to people. Pharmacists also
give information on medicines.
photocoagulation (FOH-toh-koh-ag-yoo-LAY-shun): a treatment for diabetic retinopathy. A strong beam of light (laser) is used
to seal off bleeding blood vessels in the eye and to burn away extra blood vessels that should not
have grown there.
pioglitazone (py-oh-GLIT-uh-zone): an oral medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes.
It helps insulin take glucose from the blood into the cells for
energy by making cells more sensitive to insulin. Belongs to
the class of medicines called thiazolidinediones.
(Brand name: Actos.)
podiatrist (puh-DY-uh-trist): a
doctor who treats people who have foot problems. Podiatrists also help people
keep their feet healthy by providing regular foot examinations and treatment.
podiatry (puh-DY-uh-tree): the care and treatment of feet.
point system: a
meal planning system that uses points to rate the caloric content of foods.
polydipsia (pah-lee-DIP-see-uh): excessive thirst; may be a sign of diabetes.
polyphagia (pah-lee-FAY-jee-ah): excessive hunger; may be a sign of diabetes.
polyuria (pah-lee-YOOR-ee-ah): excessive urination; may be a sign of diabetes.
postprandial (post-PRAN-dee-ul) blood glucose: the blood glucose level taken 1 to 2 hours after eating.
Prandin: see repaglinide.
Precose: see acarbose.
pre-diabetes: a
condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but are not high enough for a
diagnosis of diabetes. People with prediabetes are at
increased risk for developing type
2 diabetes and
for heart disease and stroke. Other names for pre-diabetes are impaired glucose tolerance and impaired
fasting glucose.
premixed insulin: a
commercially produced combination of two different types of insulin.
See 50/50 insulin and 70/30
insulin.
preprandial (pree-PRAN-dee-ul) blood glucose: the blood
glucose level taken before eating.
prevalence: the
number of people in a given group or population who are reported to have a
disease.
proinsulin (proh-IN-suh-lin): the substance made first in the pancreas and
then broken into several pieces to become insulin.
proliferative (pro-LIH-fur-ah-tiv)
retinopathy (REH-tih-NOP-uh-thee): a condition in which fragile new blood vessels grow
along the retina and in the vitreous
humor of the eye.
prosthesis (prahs-THEE-sis): a man-made substitute for a missing body
part such as an arm or a leg.
protein (PRO-teen): 1. One of the three main nutrients in food. Foods that provide
protein include meat, poultry, fish, cheese, milk, dairy products, eggs, and
dried beans. 2. Proteins are also used in the body for cell structure, hormones such as insulin, and other functions.
proteinuria (PRO-tee-NOOR-ee-uh): the presence of protein in the urine, indicating that the kidneys are not working properly.
pump: see insulin pump.
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R
rapid-acting insulin: a type of insulin that starts to lower blood glucose within 5 to 10 minutes after injection and has its strongest effect 30 minutes to
3 hours after injection, depending on the type used. See aspart insulin and lispro insulin.
rebound hyperglycemia (HY-per-gly-SEE-mee-ah): a swing to a high level of glucose in the blood after a low level. See Somogyi effect.
receptors: see insulin receptors.
Recognized Diabetes
Education Programs: diabetes self-manage-ment education programs that are approved by
the American Diabetes Association.
regular insulin: short-acting insulin. On average, regular insulin starts to lower blood glucose within 30 minutes after injection. It has its strongest effect 2 to 5 hours
after injection but keeps working 5 to 8 hours after injection. Also called R insulin.
renal (REE-nal): having to do with the kidneys. A renal disease is a disease of the
kidneys. Renal failure means the kidneys have stopped working.
renal threshold (THRESH-hold) of glucose: the blood glucose concentration at which the kidneys start to excrete glucose into the urine.
repaglinide (reh-PAG-lih-nide): an oral medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes. It lowers blood glucose by helping the pancreas make more insulin right after meals. Belongs
to the class of medicines called meglitinides.
(Brand name: Prandin.)
retina (REH-ti-nuh): the light-sensitive
layer of tissue that lines the back of the eye.
retinopathy: see background retinopathy, proliferative
retinopathy, and diabetic retinopathy.
risk factor: anything that raises the chances of a person developing a disease.
rosiglitazone (rose-ee-GLIH-tuh-zone): an oral medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes. It helps insulin take glucose from the blood into the cells for energy by making cells more
sensitive to insulin. Belongs to the class of medicines
called thiazolidinediones. (Brand name: Avandia.)
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S
saccharin (SAK-ah-rin): a sweetener with no calories and no
nutritional value.
secondary diabetes: a type of diabetes caused by another disease or certain drugs or
chemicals.
self-management: in diabetes, the ongoing process of managing diabetes. Includes
meal planning, planned physical activity, blood glucose monitoring, taking diabetes medicines, handling
episodes of illness and of low and high blood glucose, managing diabetes when
traveling, and more. The person with diabetes designs his or her own
self-management treatment plan in consultation with a variety of health care
professionals such as doctors, nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, and others.
70/30 insulin: premixed insulin that is 70 percent intermediate-acting (NPH) insulin and 30 percent short-acting (regular) insulin.
sharps container: a container for disposal of used needles and syringes; often made of hard plastic so that
needles cannot poke through.
short-acting insulin: a type of insulin that starts to lower blood glucose within
30 minutes after injection and has its strongest effect 2 to 5 hours after
injection. See regular insulin.
side effects: the unintended action(s) of a drug.
sliding scale: a set of instructions for adjusting insulin on
the basis of blood glucose test results, meals, or activity levels.
Somogyi (suh-MOH-jee) effect, also called rebound hyperglycemia: when the blood
glucose level swings high following hypoglycemia.
The Somogyi effect may follow an untreated
hypoglycemic episode during the night and is caused by the release of stress hormones.
sorbitol (SORE-bih-tall): 1. A sugar alcohol (sweetener) with 4 calories per gram. 2. A substance produced by the body in people with
diabetes that can cause damage to the eyes and nerves.
split mixed dose: division
of a prescribed daily dose of insulin into two or more injections given
over the course of the day.
starch: another name for carbohydrate, one of the three main nutrients in food.
Starlix: see nateglinide.
stroke: condition caused by damage to blood vessels in
the brain; may cause loss of ability to speak or to move parts of the body.
subcutaneous (sub-kyoo-TAY-nee-us) injection: putting a fluid into the tissue under the skin with a
needle and syringe.
sucralose: a
sweetener made from sugar but with no calories and
no nutritional value.
sucrose: a two-part sugar made of glucose and fructose. Known as table sugar or white sugar, it is found
naturally in sugar cane and in beets.
sugar: 1. A class of carbohydrates with a sweet taste; includes glucose, fructose, and sucrose. 2. A term used to refer to blood glucose.
sugar
alcohols: sweeteners that produce a smaller
rise in blood glucose than other carbohydrates. Their calorie content is about 2 calories per gram.
Includes erythritol, hydrogenated starch hydrolysates, isomalt, lactitol, maltitol, mannitol, sorbitol,
and xylitol. Also known as polyols
(PAH-lee-alls.)
sugar diabetes: former term for diabetes
mellitus.
sulfonylurea (sul-fah-nil-yoo-REE-ah): a class of oral medicine for type 2 diabetes that
lowers blood glucose by helping the pancreas make more insulin and
by helping the body better use the insulin it makes. (Generic names: acetohexamide, chlorpropamide, glimepiride, glipizide, glyburide, tolazamide, tolbutamide.)
syndrome x: see insulin
resistance and metabolic syndrome.
syringe (suh-RINJ): a device used to inject
medications or other liquids into body tissues. The syringe for insulin has
a hollow plastic tube with a plunger inside and a needle on the end.
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T
team
management: a diabetes treatment approach in
which medical care is provided by a team of health care professionals including
a doctor, a dietitian, a nurse, a diabetes
educator, and others. The team act as
advisers to the person with diabetes.
thiazolidinedione (THIGH-uh-ZOH-lih-deen-DYE-own): a
class of oral medicine for type
2 diabetes that helps insulin take glucose from the blood into the cells for energy by making
cells more sensitive to insulin. (Generic names: pioglitazone
and rosiglitazone.)
tight control: see intensive
therapy.
tolazamide (tohl-AH-zah-mide): an
oral medicine used to treat type
2 diabetes. It lowers blood glucose by
helping the pancreas make more insulin and by helping the body better
use the insulin it makes. Belongs to the class of medicines called sulfonylureas. (Brand name: Tolinase.)
tolbutamide (tohl-BYOO-tah-mide): an oral medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes.
It lowers blood glucose by helping the pancreas make more insulin and
by helping the body better use the insulin it makes. Belongs to the class of
medicines called sulfonylureas. (Brand name: Orinase.)
Tolinase: see tolazamide.
triglyceride (try-GLISS-er-ide): the storage form of fat in
the body. High triglyceride levels may occur when diabetes is out of control.
type 1 diabetes: a condition characterized by high blood glucose levels caused by a total lack of insulin.
Occurs when the body’s immune
system attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in
the pancreas and destroys them. The pancreas then produces little
or no insulin. Type 1 diabetes develops most often in young people but can
appear in adults.
type 2 diabetes: a condition characterized by high blood glucose levels caused by either a lack of insulin or the body’s inability to use insulin efficiently.
Type 2 diabetes develops most often in middle-aged and older adults but can
appear in young people.
type I diabetes: former term for type 1 diabetes.
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U
UKPDS: see
United Kingdom
Prospective Diabetes Study.
ulcer (UL-sur): a deep open sore or break in the skin.
ultralente (UL-truh-LEN-tay) insulin: long-acting insulin. On average, ultralente insulin starts
to lower blood glucose within 4 to 6 hours after injection. It has its strongest effect 10 to 18
hours after injection but keeps working 24 to 28 hours after injection. Also
called U insulin.
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.
United Kingdom
Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS): a study in
England
, conducted from 1977 to
1997 in people with type 2 diabetes. The study showed that if people lowered their blood glucose, they lowered their risk of eye disease and kidney damage. In addition, those with type 2
diabetes andhypertension who lowered their blood pressure also reduced their risk of stroke, eye damage, and death from long-term complications.
U-100: see unit of insulin.
urea (yoo-REE-uh): a waste product found in the blood that results from the normal
breakdown of protein in the liver. Urea is normally removed from the blood
by the kidneys and then excreted in the urine.
uremia (yoo-REE-mee-ah): the illness associated with the buildup of urea in the blood because the kidneys are not working effectively. Symptoms
include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness, and mental confusion.
urine: the liquid waste product filtered from the
blood by the kidneys, stored in the bladder, and expelled from
the body by the act of urinating.
urine testing: also called urinalysis; a test of a urine
sample to diagnose diseases of the urinary system and other body systems. In
people with diabetes, a doctor may check for
1. Glucose, a sign of diabetes or other diseases.
2. Protein, a sign of kidney damage, or nephropathy. (Also see albuminuria.)
3. White blood cells, a
sign of urinary tract infection.
4. Ketones, a sign of diabetic ketoacidosis or other conditions.
Urine may also be
checked for signs of bleeding. Some tests use a single urine sample. For
others, 24-hour collection may be needed. And sometimes a sample is “cultured”
to see exactly what type of bacteria grows.
urologist (yoo-RAH-luh-jist): a doctor who treats
people who have urinary tract problems. A urologist also cares for men who have
problems with their genital organs, such as impotence.
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V
vascular
(VAS-kyoo-ler): relating to the body’s blood vessels.
vein: a blood vessel that carries blood to the heart.
very-long-acting insulin: a type of insulin that starts to lower blood glucose within
1 hour after injection and keeps working evenly for 24 hours after injection.
See glargine insulin.
very-low-density lipoprotein
(VLDL) cholesterol: a form of cholesterol in
the blood; high levels may be related to cardiovascular
disease.
vitrectomy (vih-TREK-tuh-mee): surgery to restore sight in which
the surgeon removes the cloudy vitreous
humor in the eye and replaces it with a
salt solution.
vitreous (VIH-tree-us) humor:
the clear gel that lies behind
the eye’s lens and in front of the retina.
VLDL cholesterol: see very-low-density
lipoprotein cholesterol.
void: to urinate; to empty the bladder.
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W
wound care: steps taken to ensure that a wound such as a foot ulcer heals
correctly. People with diabetes need to take special precautions so wounds do
not become infected.
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X,
Y, Z
xylitol (ZY-lih-tall): a carbohydrate-based sweetener found in plants and used as a
substitute for sugar; provides calories. Found in some mints and chewing gum
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