GLOSSARY

ACE inhibitor—Type of drug used to lower blood pressure. It may also help prevent or slow the progression of kidney disease in people with diabetes.

acute—Happening for a limited period of time and/or coming on abruptly.

adrenal glands—Two organs sitting on top of the kidneys that make and release hormones such as adrenaline (epinephrine).

albuminuria—Having an excess amount of protein called albumin in the urine. Albuminuria may indicate kidney disease.

aldose reductase inhibitor—A class of drugs under investigation as a way to prevent eye and nerve damage in people with diabetes.

alpha cell—A type of cell in the pancreas that makes and releases the hormone glucagon.

angiopathy—A disease of the blood vessels (arteries, veins, and capillaries) that occurs when someone has diabetes for a long time.

antigens—Substances that cause an immune response in the body. The body perceives the antigens to be harmful and thus produces antibodies to attack and destroy the antigens.

arteriosclerosis—A group of diseases in which the artery walls get thick and hard, slowing blood flow.

artery—A large blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to other parts of the body.

atherosclerosis—One of many arteriosclerosis diseases in which fat builds up in the large and medium-size arteries.

autoimmune process—A process by which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys body tissue that it mistakes for foreign matter.

beta cells—Cells that make the hormone insulin, which controls blood glucose levels. Beta cells are found in areas of the pancreas called the Islets of Langerhans.

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

blood glucose—The main sugar that the body makes from the food we eat. Glucose is carried through the bloodstream to provide energy to all of the body’s living cells.

blood glucose monitor—A machine that helps measure the amount of glucose in the blood.

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

blood sugar—See blood glucose.

blood urea nitrogen (BUN)—Waste product produced by the kidneys. Raised BUN levels in the blood may indicate early kidney damage.

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

capillary—The smallest blood vessel in the body.

capsaicin—A colorless irritant that gives hot peppers their hotness. Used for an ointment made from chili peppers to relieve the pain of peripheral neuropathy.

carbohydrate—One of three main groups of foods in the diet that provide calories and energy. (Protein and fat are the others.) Carbohydrates are mainly sugars (simple carbohydrates) and starches (complex carbohydrates, found in whole grains and beans) that the body breaks down into glucose.

cataract—Clouding of the lens of the eye.

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

chronic—Lasting a long time. Diabetes is an example of a chronic disease.

creatinine—A chemical in the blood that is eliminated through urine. A test of the amount of creatinine in the blood and/or urine indicates whether the kidneys are working properly.

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

diabetes mellitus—A disease that occurs when the body cannot use glucose adequately or has none of its own to use. This is caused by a deficiency of the pancreatic hormone insulin, which results in a failure to metabolize sugars and starch. Sugars accumulate in the blood and urine, and the byproducts of alternative fat metabolism disturb the acid–base balance of the blood, causing a risk of convulsions and coma. It is also a disturbance of protein and fat metabolism.

diabetes pills—Pills or capsules that are taken by mouth to help lower the blood glucose level. These pills may work for people whose bodies are still making insulin.

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

diabetic ketoacidosis—High blood glucose with the presence of ketones in the urine and bloodstream, often caused by taking too little insulin or during illness. It can be life threatening.

diabetic kidney disease—Damage to the cells or blood vessels of the kidney. Often fatal five years after beginning dialysis.

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

dialysis—A method for removing waste such as urea from the blood when the kidneys can no longer do the job. There are two types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal.

diphtheria—An acute, contagious disease that causes fever and problems for the heart and nervous system.

diuretic—A drug that increases the flow of urine to help eliminate extra fluid from the body.

endocrine glands—Glands that release hormones into the bloodstream and affect metabolism.

end-stage renal disease (ESRD)—The final phase of kidney disease.

epinephrine—A hormone, also called adrenaline, secreted by the adrenal glands and helping the liver release glucose. The principal blood-pressure-raising hormone. Used medicinally as a heart stimulant and muscle relaxant in bronchial asthma.

EKG—A test that measures the heart’s action. Also called an electrocardiogram.

fasting blood sugar (FBS)—the blood sugar level taken first thing in the morning before eating.

fats—One of the three main classes of foods and a source of energy in the body. (Protein and carbohydrates are the other two.)

fiber—Substance in food plants that helps the digestive process, lowers cholesterol, and helps control blood glucose levels.

flu—An infection caused by the influenza virus. A contagious viral illness that strikes quickly and severely. Signs include high fever, chills, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, and headache.

gangrene—Death or pervasive decay of body tissue, usually caused by loss of blood flow.

gastroparesis—A form of nerve damage that affects the stomach.

gestational diabetes—A type of diabetes that can occur in pregnant women who have not been known to have diabetes before. Although gestational diabetes usually subsides after pregnancy, many women who’ve had gestational diabetes develop Type-2 diabetes later in life.

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

glaucoma—An eye disease characterized by increased pressure in the eye.

glomeruli—Tiny blood vessels in the kidneys where the blood is filtered and waste products are eliminated.

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

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

glucose tolerance test—A test that shows how well the body deals with glucose in the blood over time; used to see if a person has diabetes. A first blood sample is taken in the morning before the person has eaten; then the person drinks a liquid that has glucose in it. After one hour, a second blood sample is taken and then, one hour later, a third.

glycogen—A substance composed of sugars that is stored in the liver and muscles and releases glucose into the blood when needed by cells.

glycosylated hemoglobin test—A blood test that measures a person’s average glycosylated hemoglobin in the red blood cell in the three-month period before the test.

glycosylation—The process in which glucose binds to, chemically alters, and damages proteins. These altered proteins are called advanced glycation end products (AGEs). Over time, AGE proteins may accumulate in the cells and interfere with normal cell functioning. Glycosylation is accelerated in people with diabetes, and complications with eyes, kidneys, and the circulatory system are associated with AGE proteins.

HDL (high-density lipoprotein)—A combined protein and fatlike substance that lowers cholesterol and usually passes freely through the arteries. Sometimes called “good cholesterol.”

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

hemodialysis—A mechanical way to remove waste products from the blood. See also dialysis.

hemoglobin (Hgb)—The substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the body’s cells.

HgbA1C—A test that sums up how much glucose is non-enzymatically bound to the hemoglobin during the past three months.

high blood glucose—A condition that occurs in people with insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, and diabetes when their blood glucose levels are too high. Symptoms include having to urinate often, being very thirsty, losing weight, and a general accelerated aging process.

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

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

human insulin—Laboratory-made insulins that are similar to insulin produced by the human body.

hyperesthesia—One of different changes in nerve function in extremities, expressed with numbness and tingling.

hyperglycemia—See high blood glucose.

hypertension—See high blood pressure.

hypoglycemia—Also called low blood glucose. A condition independent of diabetes in which there is an imbalance in the endocrine system in which the blood sugar drops rapidly or too low. The problem is usually with pancreatic, adrenal, or thyroid imbalances.

immunization—Sometimes called vaccination; a shot or injection that theoretically protects a person from getting an illness by making the person “immune” to it. Evidence does not necessarily support the theory.

impaired glucose tolerance (IGT)—Blood glucose levels that are higher than normal but not so high as to be considered diabetes.

implantable insulin pump—A small pump placed inside the body to deliver insulin on demand from a handheld programmer.

impotence—A condition where the penis does not become or stay hard enough for sex. Some men who have had diabetes a long time become impotent if their nerves or blood vessels have become damaged.

influenza—See flu.

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

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

insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM)—See Type-1 diabetes.

insulin pump—A beeper-sized device that delivers a continuous supply of insulin into the body.

insulin reaction—A response to a too-low level of glucose in the blood; also called hypoglycemia.

insulin receptors—Sites on the outer part of a cell that allow the cell to join with insulin.

insulin resistance—Occurs when the different functions of the insulin hormone are blocked. It may force the pancreas to overproduce up to four times the amount of insulin to compensate. May result in inflammation, scarring, and destruction of the beta cells of the pancreas from exhaustion and burn-out.

intensive therapy—A method of treatment for Type-1 diabetes in which the goal is to keep the blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible. Also recommended for Type-2 diabetes.

ketoacidosis—See diabetic ketoacidosis.

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

ketosis—A condition when ketone bodies build up in body tissues and fluids. Ketosis can lead to ketoacidosis.

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

kidney disease—Also called nephropathy, kidney disease can be any one of several chronic conditions that are caused by damage to the cells of the kidney.

lente insulin—An intermediate-acting insulin.

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

LDL (low-density lipoprotein)—A combined protein and fatlike substance. Rich in cholesterol, it tends to stick to the walls in the arteries. Sometimes called “bad cholesterol.”

meal plan—A guide to help people get the proper amount of calories, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in their diet.

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

nephropathy—See diabetic kidney disease.

neuropathy—See diabetic nerve damage.

non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM)—See Type-2 diabetes.

Neutral Protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin—An intermediate-acting insulin

obesity—Excessive accumulation and storage of fat in the body. The degree of overweight when people have 20 percent or more extra body fat for their age, height, sex, and bone structure.

oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)—A test to see if a person has diabetes. See also glucose tolerance test.

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

parasthesia—One of different changes in nerve function in extremities, expressed with numbness and tingling.

periodontitis—Gum disease in which the gums shrink away from the teeth. Without treatment, it can lead to tooth loss.

peripheral neuropathy—Nerve damage associated with diabetes that usually affects the feet and legs.

peritoneal dialysis—A mechanical way to clean the blood of people with kidney disease.

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

polydipsia—Great thirst that lasts for long periods of time.

polyphagia—Great hunger.

polyunsaturated fats—Fat that comes from vegetables.

polyuria—Excessive, frequent urination.

protein—One of the three main classes of food. (Fats and carbohydrates are the other two.) Proteins are found in many foods, including greens, legumes, and algae. Leafy greens are 30 percent protein.

proteinuria—Presence of too much protein in the urine; may signal kidney disease.

pumice stone—A special foot care tool used to gently file calluses as instructed by one’s health care team.

regular insulin—A fast-acting insulin.

retina—Center part of the back lining of the eye that senses light.

retinopathy—See diabetic eye disease.

risk factors—Traits that make it more likely that a person will get an illness. For example, a risk factor for developing Type-2 diabetes is having a family history of diabetes.

saturated fat—Fat that comes from animals.

secondary diabetes—Diabetes that develops because of another disease or because of taking certain drugs of chemicals.

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

sorbitol—A sugar alcohol produced by the body, which, if levels get too high, may cause damage to the eyes and nerves.

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

sucrose—Table sugar; a form of sugar the body must break down into a simpler form before the blood can use it.

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

syringe—Device used to inject medications or other liquids into the body tissues. An insulin syringe has a hollow plastic or glass tube with a plunger inside. The plunger forces the insulin through the needle into the body.

transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation (TENS)—A treatment for painful neuropathy.

triglyceride—A type of blood fat.

Type-1 diabetes—Also known as IDDM. A condition in which the pancreas makes so little insulin that the body can’t use blood glucose as energy. Type-1 diabetes most often occurs in people younger than age 30 and must be controlled with daily insulin injections.

Type-2 diabetes—Also known as NIDDM. A condition in which the body either makes too little insulin or can’t use the insulin it makes to use blood glucose as energy. Type-2 diabetes has typically occurred in people older than age 40, but increasingly in children today, and can often be controlled through meal plans and physical activity plans. Some people with Type-2 diabetes have to take diabetes pills or insulin.

U-100—A unit of insulin, meaning 100 units of insulin per milliliter or cubic centimeter of solution.

ulcer—A break or deep sore in the skin. Germs can enter an ulcer so that it may be hard to heal.

ultralente insulin—A long-acting insulin.

urea—One of the chief waste products of the body. When the body breaks down food, it uses what it needs and throws the rest away as waste. The kidneys flush the waste from the body in the form of urea, which is in the urine.

urine testing—A test of urine to see if it contains glucose and ketones.

vaccination—A shot given to theoretically protect against a disease.

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

yeast infection—A vaginal, blood, sinus, or colon infection that is usually caused by a fungus. Women who have this infection may feel itching, burning when urinating, and pain, and some women have a vaginal discharge. Yeast infections occur more frequently in women with diabetes because of the high blood glucose.