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Diabetes Definitions
Diabetes Definitions -- Posted by Gumbo on 11-03-04 16:06
Diabetes Definitions
A to C
A-1C test. See glycated hemoglobin test.
adult-onset diabetes. See type 2 diabetes.
albumin. A protein found in animal and plant tissues. Its presence in urine
is one sign of kidney disease, which can be a complication of diabetes.
alpha cell. A type of cell in the pancreas that makes and releases a hormone
called glucagon, which signals the liver to release glucose into the blood
to use for energy.
autoimmune response. A reaction of the body to one or more of its own
tissues perceived as foreign substances. Results in production of antibodies
against the tissue. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease.
basal rate. A steady supply of insulin, such as that provided with an
insulin pump
beta cell. A cell that makes insulin. It resides in masses of tissue in the
pancreas called islets. See islet cells.
blood glucose. The main energy or fuel for the body, obtained from food or
made by the liver. Glucose is carried through the bloodstream to provide
energy to all of the body's living cells. Also called glucose, dextrose or
blood sugar.
blood glucose level. The amount of glucose in a given amount of blood. It's
reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). Levels consistently 126 mg/dL
or higher when fasting indicate diabetes. Also called blood sugar level.
blood glucose monitor. A small, portable computerized device that measures
and displays blood sugar levels. After pricking the skin with a needle
(lancet), a drop of blood is placed on a test strip and read by the machine.
The monitor displays the blood sugar level as a number. Also called a blood
glucose meter.
blood sugar. See blood glucose.
blood sugar level. See blood glucose level.
blood urea nitrogen (BUN). A waste product in the blood from the breakdown
of protein. The kidneys filter blood and remove urea. As kidney function
decreases, the BUN level increases.
bolus. An extra amount of insulin taken to compensate for an expected rise
in blood glucose, often after eating.
borderline diabetes. See impaired glucose tolerance.
brittle diabetes. Diabetes that's difficult to control because of rapid,
unpredictable swings in blood sugar levels. Occurs most commonly with type 1
diabetes.
creatinine. A substance excreted in urine. Urine and blood creatinine levels
can be used to help evaluate kidney function.
D to F
dextrose. See glucose.
diabetes. A disease in which the body's production and use of insulin is
impaired, causing sugar to build up in the bloodstream. There are many types
of diabetes, but the most common are type 1, type 2 and gestational. Also
called diabetes mellitus (MEL-lih-tuhs).
diabetes insipidus. An uncommon condition caused by inability of the kidneys
to conserve water as they filter waste from the blood, leading to increased
urination and excess thirst. Despite the similarities in symptoms and name,
diabetes insipidus and diabetes mellitus aren't related.
diabetes mellitus. See diabetes.
diabetic coma. A condition in which a person becomes unconscious and
unresponsive because of extremely high or low blood sugar.
diabetic eye disease. See diabetic retinopathy.
diabetic ketoacidosis. A serious condition in which very high blood sugar
levels, along with a lack of insulin, force the body to break down fat for
energy. That produces an increased level of toxic acids (ketones) in the
blood and can lead to coma or death if untreated. See also ketones.
diabetic kidney disease. Damage to the cells or blood vessels of the kidneys
that prevents them from properly filtering wastes and extra fluid from the
bloodstream. Severe damage can lead to kidney failure (end-stage renal
disease). Also called diabetic nephropathy.
diabetic nerve damage. A complication of diabetes, resulting from high blood
sugar, that causes damage to nerves and blood vessels in the feet, hands and
major organs. Also called neuropathy.
diabetic retinopathy. A complication of diabetes that damages the tiny blood
vessels that supply blood to the back part of the eye (retina). It's caused
by high blood sugar levels. The vessels swell and leak liquid into the
retina, resulting in blurred vision and sometimes blindness.
fasting blood glucose test. A check of the blood sugar level after fasting
for 8 to 12 hours (usually overnight). This test is used to diagnose and
monitor borderline diabetes and diabetes.
food exchange. One portion of a type of food. The exchange system of eating
is a tool people with diabetes use to help follow a special meal plan in
which foods are categorized by food group and serving size, such as starches
and vegetables.
fructose. A sugar found naturally in fruit, corn syrup and honey. It has
four calories per gram.
G to H
gangrene. The death of body tissue, usually from lack of blood flow or
infection.
gastroparesis. A form of neuropathy that damages the nerves of the stomach,
impairing function. Digestion can be incomplete or delayed, resulting in
nausea, vomiting or bloating, and making blood sugar control difficult.
gestational diabetes. Diabetes that develops during pregnancy because of
improper regulation of blood sugar. It usually goes away after delivery, but
can raise the woman's risk of developing type 2 diabetes later.
gingivitis. A common gum disease, characterized by swelling and soreness of
the gums, inflammation and bleeding. Without treatment, it can cause serious
gum problems and other disease.
glucagon. A pancreatic hormone that releases the body's stored sugar
(glycogen) from the liver into the blood, raising the blood sugar level. An
injectable form can treat severe low blood sugar.
glucose. See blood glucose.
glucose tolerance test. See oral glucose tolerance test.
glycated hemoglobin test. A test that measures average glycated hemoglobin
over the past 2 to 3 months to see how well diabetes is being controlled. It
measures the amount of sugar attached to hemoglobin molecules. Also called
A-1C test, hemoglobin A-1C test or glycosylated hemoglobin test. See also
hemoglobin.
glycemic index. A ranking of carbohydrate-containing foods, based on the
food's effect on blood sugar compared with a standard reference food's
effect.
glycogen. Sugar stored in the liver.
glycosuria. The presence of sugar in urine.
glycosylated hemoglobin test. See glycated hemoglobin test.
hemoglobin. A protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs
to body tissues.
hemoglobin A-1C test. See glycated hemoglobin test.
high blood sugar. See hyperglycemia.
hyperglycemia (hi-pur-gli-SE-me-uh). An excessive amount of sugar in the
bloodstream, usually 126 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or higher. Also
called high blood sugar.
hyperinsulinemia. A condition in which the level of insulin in the blood is
higher than normal, caused by overproduction of insulin. See also insulin.
hyperosmolar syndrome. A condition in which blood sugar reaches such a high
level that blood becomes thick and syrupy. Occurs when blood sugar is 600
milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or higher.
hypoglycemia (hi-po-gli-SE-me-uh). A condition in which sugar in the
bloodstream falls below normal amounts, less than 60 milligrams per
deciliter (mg/dL). Also called low blood sugar.
I to K
impaired fasting glucose. Blood sugar values during fasting that are above
normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes.
impaired glucose tolerance. A condition associated with excessive elevation
in blood sugar after a meal but not meeting the criteria for a diagnosis of
diabetes. Blood sugar is between 111 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) and
125 mg/dL. Also called borderline diabetes and prediabetes.
inhaled insulin. Insulin composed of fine particles or in powdered form that
is inhaled into the lungs.
insulin. A hormone that enables the body to use blood sugar for energy and
regulate the amount of sugar in the bloodstream. It's made by the beta cells
of the pancreas.
insulin-dependent diabetes. See type 1 diabetes.
insulinoma. A tumor of the beta cells in the pancreas. It can produce
excessive insulin and lead to hypoglycemia.
insulin pen. A device for injecting insulin. It looks like a pen, but with
replaceable cartridges that hold insulin. Insulin is injected with a fine
needle.
insulin pump. A device for delivering insulin. The pump is worn outside the
body, usually attached to a belt or waistband. Insulin is pumped from a
reservoir through a catheter inserted under the skin of the abdominal wall.
insulin reaction. A condition in people with diabetes who take insulin,
resulting in low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) because of excess insulin or
inadequate carbohydrate intake.
insulin resistance. A condition in which the body doesn't respond to insulin
properly. It's often linked to obesity, hypertension and high levels of fat
in the blood.
intensive therapy. A treatment for diabetes intended to keep blood sugar
within a normal or near-normal range by frequent monitoring of blood sugar,
a combination of different types of insulin, and adjusting doses based on
blood sugar levels, diet and changes in routine.
islet cells (I-lut). A group of cells in the pancreas that makes hormones
that help regulate blood glucose metabolism. Also called islets of
Langerhans.
islet cell transplantation. Transplanting islet cells from a donor pancreas
into a person whose pancreas has stopped making insulin, in the hopes of
curing diabetes.
islets of Langerhans. See islet cells.
ketoacidosis. See diabetic ketoacidosis.
ketones (KE-tones). Acidic substances produced when the body uses fat,
instead of sugar, for energy.
ketonuria. A condition that occurs when ketones are present in the urine, a
warning sign of ketoacidosis. See also ketones and diabetic ketoacidosis.
ketosis. A buildup of ketones in the body, as in a response to fasting. Can
lead to diabetic ketoacidosis.
L to P
lancet. A small device that pricks the skin of a finger to obtain a drop of
blood for blood sugar testing.
lipids. Fats, such as those found in the bloodstream.
lipoatrophy. Loss of fat under the skin, causing small indentations. It can
be caused by repeatedly injecting insulin in the same spot. It can affect
the way insulin is absorbed if severe.
lipohypertrophy. Accumulation of fat below skin, causing lumps. It can be
caused by repeatedly injecting insulin in the same spot. Usually not of
medical concern unless it becomes severe.
low blood sugar. See hypoglycemia.
meal plan. A guide to healthy eating for people with diabetes. It's designed
to help people choose the right kinds and amount of food, including
carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
metabolic syndrome. A cluster of conditions that often occur together,
including obesity, high blood sugar, high blood pressure and high
triglycerides, which can lead to cardiovascular disease.
nephropathy (nuh-FROP-uh-the). See diabetic kidney disease.
neuropathy (noo-ROP-uh-the). See diabetic nerve damage.
noninsulin-dependent diabetes. See type 2 diabetes.
obesity. Above-normal body weight, usually defined as more than 20 percent
above what's considered healthy for people of a certain age, height and bone
structure.
oral glucose tolerance test. A test to diagnose borderline diabetes and
early diabetes. The test requires fasting overnight, then drinking a
high-glucose beverage. Blood samples are taken every hour for several hours
to see how well the body uses sugar.
pancreas. A gland that produces hormones that control blood glucose and
enzymes essential to the digestion of food. It contains the islet cells,
which secrete insulin and other hormones into the blood.
pancreas transplantation. A surgical procedure in which a healthy whole or
partial pancreas from a donor is transplanted into a person with diabetes,
in the hopes of curing the diabetes.
peripheral vascular disease. A disease of the blood vessels of the arms,
legs and feet. It can occur when major blood vessels are blocked and tissues
don't get enough blood.
postprandial blood glucose. A measure of the blood sugar level taken 1 to 2
hours after eating.
prediabetes. See borderline diabetes.
preprandial blood glucose. A measure of the blood sugar level taken before
eating.
proteinuria. The presence of protein in urine, indicating that the kidneys
have suffered some damage, although in the early stages they can still
function properly.
Q to Z
renal. Relating to the kidneys.
retinopathy. See diabetic retinopathy.
saccharin. A sweetener with no calories and no nutritional value.
secondary diabetes. A type of diabetes caused by another disease or certain
drugs or chemicals.
sucralose. A sweetener made from sugar. It has no calories and no
nutritional value.
sucrose. The simple sugar processed from sugar cane and sugar beets. It's
commonly known as table sugar or white sugar. One tablespoon has about 50
calories. It has no nutritional value.
type 1 diabetes. An autoimmune disease in which the pancreas makes little or
no insulin, resulting in an abnormally high blood sugar level. Formerly
known as insulin-dependent diabetes or juvenile diabetes.
type 2 diabetes. A disease in which the pancreas doesn't make enough insulin
or the body becomes resistant to insulin, resulting in an abnormally high
blood sugar level. This is the most common form of diabetes. Formerly called
noninsulin-dependent diabetes or adult-onset diabetes.
ulcer. An open sore on the surface of an organ or tissue of the body, such
as the feet.
urea. The main nitrogen-containing waste product in urine, arising from
protein metabolism. Its concentration in blood can be used as a measure of
kidney function.
uremia. Excessive urea in the bloodstream.
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