Diabetes-Related Defintions (A-L)

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Diabetes-Related Defintions (A-Z)

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.

acanthosis nigricans (uh-kan-THO-sis 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 potassium (a-see-SUL-fame 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)

acute describes something that happens suddenly and for a short time. Opposite

of chronic.

adhesive capsulitis (ad-HEE-sive 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) end products. 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 cell (AL-fa)

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 inhibitor (AL-fa-gloo-KOH-sih-days)

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)

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.

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 insulin (ASS-part)

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 disease (AW-toh-ih-MYOON)

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 neuropathy (aw-toh-NOM-ik ne-ROP-uh-thee)

a type of neuropathy affecting the lungs, heart, stomach, intestines, bladder or

genitals.

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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 urea nitrogen (BUN) (yoo-REE-uh NY-truh-jen)

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.

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.

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.

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-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.

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.

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 disease (KAR-dee-oh-VASK-yoo-ler)

disease of the heart and blood vessels (arteries, veins and capillaries).

cataract (KA-ter-act)

clouding of the lens of the eye.

cerebrovascular disease (seh-REE-broh-VASK-yoo-ler)

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.

Charcot's foot (shar-KOHZ)

a condition in which the joints and soft tissue in the foot are destroyed; it

results from damage to the nerves.

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 defects (kun-JEN-ih-tul)

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 heart disease (KOR-uh-ner-ee)

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.

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-phenylalanine derivative (dee-fen-nel-AL-ah-neen)

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)

dawn phenomenon (feh-NAH-meh-nun)

the early-morning (4 a.m. to 8 a.m.) rise in blood glucose level.

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, also called glucose (DECKS-trohss)

simple sugar found in blood that serves as the body's main source of energy.

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 ketoacidosis (DKA) (KEY-toe-ass-ih-DOH-sis)

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 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 with diabetes.

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.

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 eye exam (DY-lay-ted)

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.

Dupuytren's contracture (doo-PWEE-trenz 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.

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edema (eh-DEE-muh)

swelling caused by excess fluid in the body.

electromyography (EMG) (ee-LEK-troh-my-AH-gruh-fee)

a test used to detect nerve function. It measures the electrical activity

generated by muscles.

Endocrine gland (EN-doh-krin)

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.

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.

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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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 angiography (fluh-RESS-ee-in 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 test (frook-TOH-sah-meen)

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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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 diabetes mellitus (GDM) (jes-TAY-shun-ul MELL-ih-tus)

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 insulin (GLAR-jeen)

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 filtration rate (glo-MEHR-yoo-lur)

measure of the kidney's ability to filter and remove waste products.

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.

glucose one of the simplest forms of sugar.

glucose tablets chewable tablets made of pure glucose used for treating

hypoglycemia.

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 index (gly-SEE-mik)

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.

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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HDL cholesterol, stands for high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol

(kuh-LESS-tuh-rawl LIP-oh-PRO-teen)

a fat found in the blood that takes extra cholesterol from the blood to the

liver for removal. Sometimes called " good " cholesterol.

heredity the passing of a trait from parent to child.

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 hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome (HHNS) (HY-per-oz-MOH-lur

HY-per-gly-SEE-mik non-kee-TAH-tik)

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 heart attack, stroke,

kidney problems and death.

hypoglycemia (hy-po-gly-SEE-mee-uh)

a condition that occurs when one's blood glucose is lower than normal, usually

less than 70 mg/dL. Signs include hunger, nervousness, shakiness, perspiration,

dizziness or light-headedness, sleepiness, and confusion. If left untreated,

hypoglycemia may lead to unconsciousness. Hypoglycemia is treated by consuming a

carbohydrate-rich food such as a glucose tablet or juice. It may also be treated

with an injection of glucagon if the person is unconscious or unable to swallow.

Also called an insulin reaction.

hypoglycemia unawareness (un-uh-WARE-ness)

a state in which a person does not feel or recognize the symptoms of

hypoglycemia. People who have frequent episodes of hypoglycemia may no longer

experience the warning signs of it.

hypotension (hy-poh-TEN-shun)

low blood pressure or a sudden drop in blood pressure. Hypotension may occur

when a person rises quickly from a sitting or reclining position, causing

dizziness or fainting.

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IDDM (insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus)

former term for Type 1 diabetes.

immune system (ih-MYOON)

the body's system for protecting itself from viruses and bacteria or any

" foreign " substances.

immunosuppressant (ih-MYOON-oh-suh-PRESS-unt)

a drug that suppresses the natural immune responses. Immunosuppressants are

given to transplant patients to prevent organ rejection or to patients with

autoimmune diseases.

impaired fasting glucose (IFG) a condition in which a blood glucose test, taken

after an 8- to 12-hour fast, shows a level of glucose higher than normal but not

high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. IFG, also called pre-diabetes, is a

level of 110 mg/dL to 125 mg/dL. Most people with pre-diabetes are at increased

risk for developing Type 2 diabetes.

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 insulin pump (im-PLAN-tuh-bull)

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, it 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.

insulin pen a device for injecting insulin that looks like a fountain pen and

holds replaceable cartridges of insulin. Also available in disposable form.

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-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) former term for Type 1 diabetes.

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.

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 claudication (IN-ter-MIT-ent 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 injection (in-trah-MUS-kyoo-lar)

inserting liquid medication into a muscle with a syringe. Glucagon may be given

by subcutaneous or intramuscular injection for hypoglycemia.

islet cell autoantibodies (ICA) (EYE-let aw-toe-AN-ti-bod-eez)

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).

*************************************************************

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.

************************************************************ ketone a chemical

produced when there is a shortage of insulin in the blood and the body breaks

down body fat for energy. High levels of ketones can lead to diabetic

ketoacidosis and coma. Sometimes referred to as ketone bodies.

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 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.

Kussmaul breathing (KOOS-mall)

the rapid, deep, and labored breathing of people who have diabetic ketoacidosis.

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, stands for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol

(kuh-LESS-tuh-rawl LIP-oh-PRO-teen)

afat 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.

lente insulin (LEN-tay)

an intermediate-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 insulin (LYZ-proh)

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.

_____________________________________________________________

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[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/14/2004 4:21:57 PM Pacific Standard Time, GCB140@...

writes:

In the last post with all the definitions, I was surprised to see bunion.

What does that have to do with diabetes other than the fact that it is on the

foot!

Gail

Hi Gail, my guess that is exactly why it was there. So many people cut at

bunions and callouses, causing infections. Probably just to make you think

about it I think. Hugs, Marilyn

Marilyn

Moderator for

Diabetic_Recipes

dnevessr@...

Opinions expressed are solely

my own and should not be

mistaken for

Professional advice.

[Guest guest]

Amy, thanks for posting this. It was very helpful.

From: Amy Casseaux

Diabetes-Related Defintions (A-Z)

[Guest guest]

This great!!! I just had surgery to repair this! This is when all the blood

tests tipped off my pcp although she has been finding high bs for a while.

Today, I am sick again just like the wek before surgery with some unknown

infection indicated by a high white count!!! Another thing to deal with!

I am curious how diabetes is associated with this?????

billijo

adhesive capsulitis (ad-HEE-sive 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.