fat
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.
fluorescein angiography
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
measures the number of blood glucose molecules linked to protein molecules in the blood. The test provides information on the average blood glucose level for the past 3 weeks.
fructose
a sugar that occurs naturally in fruits and honey. Fructose has 4 calories per gram.
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gangrene
the death of body tissue, most often caused by a lack of blood flow and infection.
gastroparesis 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)
a type of diabetes mellitus that develops only during pregnancy and usually disappears upon delivery.
gingivitis 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
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
an increase in fluid pressure inside the eye that may lead to loss of vision.
glimepiride
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
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.
glomerular filtration rate
measure of the kidney's ability to filter and remove waste products.
glomerulus
a tiny set of looping blood vessels in the kidney where the blood is filtered and waste products are removed.
glucagon
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
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.
glycemic index
a ranking of carbohydrate-containing foods, based on the food's effect on blood glucose compared with a standard reference food.
glycogen
the form of glucose found in the liver and muscles.
glycosuria
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.
HDL cholesterol, stands for high-density-lipoprotein cholesterol
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
Some people with type 1 diabetes experience a brief remission called the "honeymoon period." During this time their pancreas may still secrete some insulin.
hormone
a chemical produced in one part of the body and released into the blood to trigger or regulate particular functions of 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.
hyperglycemia
excessive blood glucose. Fasting hyperglycemia is blood glucose above a desirable level after a person has fasted for at least 8 hours.
hyperinsulinemia
a condition in which the level of insulin in the blood is higher than normal.
hyperlipidemia
higher than normal fat and cholesterol levels in the blood.
hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic 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
a condition present when blood flows through the blood vessels with a force greater than normal. Also called high blood pressure.
hypoglycemia
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.
hypoglycemia unawareness
a state in which a person does not feel or recognize the symptoms of hypoglycemia.
hypotension
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.
IDDM insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus former term for Type 1 diabetes.
immune system
the body's system for protecting itself from viruses and bacteria or any "foreign" substances.
immunosuppressant
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.
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.
implantable insulin pump
a small pump placed inside the body to deliver insulin in response to remote-control commands from the user.
impotence
the inability to get or maintain an erection for sexual activity.
incidence
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
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
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 analogues
An insulin analogue is a tailored form of insulin in which certain amino acids in the insulin molecule have been modified.
insulin pen
a device for injecting insulin that looks like a fountain pen and holds replaceable cartridges of insulin.
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.
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
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
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
inserting liquid medication into a muscle with a syringe. Glucagon may be given by subcutaneous or intramuscular injection for hypoglycemia.
islet cell autoantibodies (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.
jet injector
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
a condition occurring when ketones are present in the urine, a warning sign of diabetic ketoacidosis.
ketosis
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 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
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.
treatment laser surgery
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 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.
lente insulin
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.
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
loss of fat under the skin resulting in small dents. Lipoatrophy may be caused by repeated injections of insulin in the same spot.
lipodystrophy
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. Lipodystrophy may be caused by repeated injections of insulin in the same spot.
lipohypertrophy
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
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.
macrosomia
abnormally large; in diabetes, refers to abnormally large babies that may be born to women with diabetes.
macrovascular 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
the part of the retina in the eye used for reading and seeing fine detail.
macular edema
swelling of the macula.
mastopathy, diabetic
a rare fibrous breast condition occurring in women, and sometimes men, with long-standing diabetes. The lumps are not malignant and can be surgically removed, although they often recur.
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
a class of oral medicine for Type 2 diabetes that lowers blood glucose by helping the pancreas make more insulin right after meals.
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
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.
mg/dL
milligrams per deciliter, 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. To convert to mg/dL from mmol/L, multiply mmol/L by 18. Example: 10 mmol/L � 18 = 180 mg/dL.
microalbumin
small amounts of the protein called albumin in the urine detectable with a special lab test.
microalbuminuria
the presence of small amounts of albumin, a protein, in the urine. Microalbuminuria is an early sign of kidney damage, or nephropathy, a common and serious complication of diabetes. The ADA recommends that people diagnosed with type 2 diabetes be tested for microalbuminuria at the time they are diagnosed and every year thereafter; people with type 1 diabetes should be tested 5 years after diagnosis and every year thereafter.
microaneurysm
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.
microvascular 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 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.
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 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.
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.
mononeuropathe
neuropathy affecting a single nerve.
myocardial infarction
an interruption in the blood supply to the heart because of narrowed or blocked blood vessels. Also called a heart attack.
nateglinide
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-phenylalanine derivatives.
necrobiosis lipoidica diabeticorum
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
the growth of new, small blood vessels. In the retina, this may lead to loss of vision or blindness.
nephrologist
a doctor who treats people who have kidney problems.
nephropathy
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.
nerve conduction studies
tests used to measure for nerve damage; one way to diagnose neuropathy.
neurologist
a doctor who specializes in problems of the nervous system, such as neuropathy.
neuropathy
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.
noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM)
former term for Type 2 diabetes.
noninvasive blood glucose monitoring (NON-in-VAY-siv)
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
a person with training in nutrition; may or may not have specialized training and qualifications. See dietitian.
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
a doctor who treats pregnant women and delivers babies.
ophthalmologist
a medical doctor who diagnoses and treats all eye diseases and eye disorders. Opthalmologists can also prescribe glasses and contact lenses.
optician
a health care professional who dispenses glasses and lenses. An optician also makes and fits contact lenses.
optometrist
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 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.
overweight
an above-normal body weight; having a body mass index of 25 to 29.9.
pancreas
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 transplantation
a surgical procedure to take a healthy whole or partial pancreas from a donor and place it into a person with diabetes.
Pediatric endocrinologist a doctor who treats children who have endocrine gland problems such as diabetes.
pedorthist
a health care professional who specializes in fitting shoes for people with disabilities or deformities. A pedorthist can custom-make shoes or orthotics.
periodontal disease
disease of the gums.
periodontist
a dentist who specializes in treating people who have gum diseases.
peripheral neuropathy
nerve damage that affects the feet, legs, or hands. Peripheral neuropathy causes pain, numbness, or a tingling feeling.
peripheral vascular 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.
pharmacist
a health care professional who prepares and distributes medicine to people. Pharmacists also give information on medicines.
photocoagulation
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
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.
podiatrist
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
the care and treatment of feet.
point system
a meal planning system that uses points to rate the caloric content of foods.
polydipsia
excessive thirst; may be a sign of diabetes.
polyphagia
excessive hunger; may be a sign of diabetes.
polyuria
excessive urination; may be a sign of diabetes.
postprandial blood glucose
the blood glucose level taken 1 to 2 hours after eating.
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 pre-diabetes 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 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
the substance made first in the pancreas and then broken into several pieces to become insulin.
proliferative retinopathy
a condition in which fragile new blood vessels grow along the retina and in the vitreous humor of the eye.
prosthesis
a man-made substitute for a missing body part such as an arm or a leg.
protein
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
the presence of protein in the urine, indicating that the kidneys are not working properly.
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
a swing to a high level of glucose in the blood after a low level. See Somogyi effect.
Recognized Diabetes Education Programs
diabetes self-management 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
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 of glucose
the blood glucose concentration at which the kidneys start to excrete glucose into the urine.
repaglinide
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.
retina
the light-sensitive layer of tissue that lines the back of the eye.
retinopathy
Eye disease that is caused by damage to the small blood vessels in the retina. Loss of vision may result.
risk factor
anything that raises the chances of a person developing a disease.
rosiglitazone
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.
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.
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.
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 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
1. A sugar alcohol (sweetener) with 2.6 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.
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 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, including 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.
sugar diabetes
former term for diabetes mellitus.
sulfonylurea
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.
syringe
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.
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 acts as advisers to the person with diabetes.
thiazolidinedione
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.
tolazamide
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.
tolbutamide
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.
triglyceride
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.
ulcer
a deep open sore or break in the skin.
ultralente 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 and hypertension who lowered their blood pressure also reduced their risk of stroke, eye damage, and death from long-term complications.
urea
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
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. 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
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.
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.
very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) cholesterol
a form of cholesterol in the blood; high levels may be related to cardiovascular disease.
vitrectomy
surgery to restore sight in which the surgeon removes the cloudy vitreous humor in the eye and replaces it with a salt solution.
vitreous humor
the clear gel that lies behind the eye's lens and in front of the retina.
void
to urinate; to empty the bladder.
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.
xylitol
a carbohydrate-based sweetener found in plants and used as a substitute for sugar; provides calories. Found in some mints and chewing gum.
