Glossary of Diabetes Terms
Find definitions of the medical terms used for Diabetes. Find words that might be used by doctors, in medical texts and articles, or on this website or others. Also find explanations of medical procedures, tests and drugs used for diabetes.
thiazolidinediones
Thiazolidinediones are oral medications that help lower blood sugar in type 2 diabetes.
Thiazolidinediones are oral medications that help lower blood sugar in type 2 diabetes.
Sulfonylureas
Sulfonylureas are a classification of oral medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. These medications are the oldest of the oral drugs. Tolinase (tolazamide) has been around since the 1950s.
Sulfonylureas are a classification of oral medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. These medications are the oldest of the oral drugs. Tolinase (tolazamide) has been around since the 1950s.
Meglitinides
Meglitinides are a classification of oral diabetes medications used to treat type 2 diabetes. Meglitinides stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin in relationship to how much glucose is in the blood. The brand names for these drugs are Prandin (repaglinide) and Starlix (nateglinide).
Meglitinides are a classification of oral diabetes medications used to treat type 2 diabetes. Meglitinides stimulate the pancreas to produce more insulin in relationship to how much glucose is in the blood. The brand names for these drugs are Prandin (repaglinide) and Starlix (nateglinide).
Biguanides
Biguanides are a classification of oral diabetes medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. These drugs work by affecting the production of glucose that comes from digestion. They don't cause hypoglycemia and even help with weight loss and lower cholesterol numbers.
Biguanides are a classification of oral diabetes medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. These drugs work by affecting the production of glucose that comes from digestion. They don't cause hypoglycemia and even help with weight loss and lower cholesterol numbers.
Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors
Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors are a classification of oral diabetes medication. These medications need to be taken at the beginning of each meal so that they can work to slow digestion, which in turn slows the rise of glucose in the blood. They are often prescribed in conjunction with other diabetes medications.
Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors are a classification of oral diabetes medication. These medications need to be taken at the beginning of each meal so that they can work to slow digestion, which in turn slows the rise of glucose in the blood. They are often prescribed in conjunction with other diabetes medications.
Gangrene
Gangrene is a condition that involves the death and decay of tissue, usually in the extremities. There are three different types of gangrene: dry, wet or gas gangrene. Dry gangrene is the one that most often affects people with diabetes.
Gangrene is a condition that involves the death and decay of tissue, usually in the extremities. There are three different types of gangrene: dry, wet or gas gangrene. Dry gangrene is the one that most often affects people with diabetes.
Advanced Glycation Endproducts
When there is long-term hyperglycemia, a substance known as advanced glycation endproducts (AGE) accumulate over time. AGEs are found in vessels of the eyes, kidneys and extremities. They also are found in other major blood vessels and lead to plaque formation and atherosclerosis, contributing to heart disease.
When there is long-term hyperglycemia, a substance known as advanced glycation endproducts (AGE) accumulate over time. AGEs are found in vessels of the eyes, kidneys and extremities. They also are found in other major blood vessels and lead to plaque formation and atherosclerosis, contributing to heart disease.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants are usually found in the form of vitamins, minerals, enzymes and other nutrients. Their job is to seek and destroy free radicals which cause damage to cellular structures in your body.
Antioxidants are usually found in the form of vitamins, minerals, enzymes and other nutrients. Their job is to seek and destroy free radicals which cause damage to cellular structures in your body.
Basal Rate of Insulin
What is the basal rate? Insulin pumps use a basal rate of insulin to help control blood glucose levels. It's commonly referred to as "background" insulin. In other words, it's the continuous administration of insulin that mimics the way the body would cover the involuntary activities of living, if the body could produce insulin on its own.
What is the basal rate? Insulin pumps use a basal rate of insulin to help control blood glucose levels. It's commonly referred to as "background" insulin. In other words, it's the continuous administration of insulin that mimics the way the body would cover the involuntary activities of living, if the body could produce insulin on its own.
Body Mass Index - BMI
Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on a formula that calculates the ratio of height and weight. Your BMI is an indicator of your appropriate weight for your height. It provides a more reliable indicator of body fat than just weight alone.
Body mass index (BMI) is a measure of body fat based on a formula that calculates the ratio of height and weight. Your BMI is an indicator of your appropriate weight for your height. It provides a more reliable indicator of body fat than just weight alone.
Bolus Dose of Insulin
A bolus dose of insulin is the dose of regular or rapid-acting insulin that is injected to cover the food eaten in a meal or a snack. When an insulin pump is used, the bolus is given, in addition to the basal rate, to cover food intake.
A bolus dose of insulin is the dose of regular or rapid-acting insulin that is injected to cover the food eaten in a meal or a snack. When an insulin pump is used, the bolus is given, in addition to the basal rate, to cover food intake.
Cellular Pathways
Cellular pathways are increasingly referred to in scientific studies, as researchers discover how cells work in the process of disease. Cellular pathways are complex sequences of proteins and other molecules that, when activated, ultimately change some aspect of cell behavior.
Cellular pathways are increasingly referred to in scientific studies, as researchers discover how cells work in the process of disease. Cellular pathways are complex sequences of proteins and other molecules that, when activated, ultimately change some aspect of cell behavior.
Cholesterol
A soft, waxy substance, found in animal tissues and various foods. It is made by the liver and is important for cell membranes. Too much cholesterol from a fatty diet causes the liver to make more. That can put you at serious risk for many diseases and conditions, such as atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and even Type II diabetes.
A soft, waxy substance, found in animal tissues and various foods. It is made by the liver and is important for cell membranes. Too much cholesterol from a fatty diet causes the liver to make more. That can put you at serious risk for many diseases and conditions, such as atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and even Type II diabetes.
Comorbidity
Comorbidities are diseases or conditions that coexist with a primary disease but they also stand on their own as specific diseases. For example someone can have high blood pressure and not have diabetes. But on the other hand, someone with diabetes very often has high blood pressure too.
Comorbidities are diseases or conditions that coexist with a primary disease but they also stand on their own as specific diseases. For example someone can have high blood pressure and not have diabetes. But on the other hand, someone with diabetes very often has high blood pressure too.
Dawn Phenomenon
The dawn phenomenon causes a rise in blood glucose levels early in the morning before you wake up. During the night, hormones may be released that trigger the liver to put out glucose. If there is not enough insulin in the body to counteract this, then blood glucose levels rise during the night, resulting in the higher reading in the morning.
The dawn phenomenon causes a rise in blood glucose levels early in the morning before you wake up. During the night, hormones may be released that trigger the liver to put out glucose. If there is not enough insulin in the body to counteract this, then blood glucose levels rise during the night, resulting in the higher reading in the morning.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Diabetic ketoacidosis, aka DKA, is a serious complication of diabetes, which occurs when a very high blood sugar level (above 300 mg/dL) is coupled with a severe shortage of insulin in the body. This is more common in Type I diabetes because the body produces very little or no insulin on it's own.
Diabetic ketoacidosis, aka DKA, is a serious complication of diabetes, which occurs when a very high blood sugar level (above 300 mg/dL) is coupled with a severe shortage of insulin in the body. This is more common in Type I diabetes because the body produces very little or no insulin on it's own.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. It occurs when blood glucose levels are too high for a long period of time. Changes occur in the tiny blood vessels that supply the retina of the eye. If retinopathy is not treated it can lead to blindness.
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. It occurs when blood glucose levels are too high for a long period of time. Changes occur in the tiny blood vessels that supply the retina of the eye. If retinopathy is not treated it can lead to blindness.
Glucose
Glucose is known as a monosaccharide sugar. It occurs mainly in plant and animal tissue. It is usually found in the blood and is the principal source of energy for most living things. Glucose in the blood is a product of digestion and is taken into the cells for energy production which in turn fuels most of our bodily functions.
Glucose is known as a monosaccharide sugar. It occurs mainly in plant and animal tissue. It is usually found in the blood and is the principal source of energy for most living things. Glucose in the blood is a product of digestion and is taken into the cells for energy production which in turn fuels most of our bodily functions.
Hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)is a condition that happens when there is too much glucose circulating in the blood. In a person without diabetes, insulin produced by the body lowers blood glucose levels. Hyperglycemia occurs in diabetes because either the body doesn't produce any insulin (type 1) or the insulin that is produced is ineffective (type 2).
Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)is a condition that happens when there is too much glucose circulating in the blood. In a person without diabetes, insulin produced by the body lowers blood glucose levels. Hyperglycemia occurs in diabetes because either the body doesn't produce any insulin (type 1) or the insulin that is produced is ineffective (type 2).
Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Nonketotic Coma (HHNKC)
Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic coma (HHNKC) is an extremely serious complication of type 2 diabetes, most often occurring in those who are non-insulin dependent. HHNKC is caused by severely elevated blood glucose levels, usually over 600 mg/dl. It is an emergency that requires immediate medical care.
Hyperglycemic hyperosmolar nonketotic coma (HHNKC) is an extremely serious complication of type 2 diabetes, most often occurring in those who are non-insulin dependent. HHNKC is caused by severely elevated blood glucose levels, usually over 600 mg/dl. It is an emergency that requires immediate medical care.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is also known as low blood sugar. It happens when your blood sugar level drops too low. It happens more often with Type 1 diabetes, but it can happen with Type 2, if your medication is too potent or if you've been exercising a lot. Not enough sugar in your blood means that your cells don't have enough glucose for energy. You might feel nervous or shaky, dizzy or lightheaded, sleepy or hungry. You may be confused, sweaty, or have difficulty speaking or walking.
Hypoglycemia is also known as low blood sugar. It happens when your blood sugar level drops too low. It happens more often with Type 1 diabetes, but it can happen with Type 2, if your medication is too potent or if you've been exercising a lot. Not enough sugar in your blood means that your cells don't have enough glucose for energy. You might feel nervous or shaky, dizzy or lightheaded, sleepy or hungry. You may be confused, sweaty, or have difficulty speaking or walking.
Hypoglycemic Unawareness
Hypoglycemic unawareness is a condition where no symptoms are felt when blood glucose drops to hypoglycemic levels. If early warning symptoms of hypoglycemia aren't felt and steps are not taken to restore blood glucose to a normal level, it can drop dangerously low. A person may lose consciousness before even realizing that he or she is low.
Hypoglycemic unawareness is a condition where no symptoms are felt when blood glucose drops to hypoglycemic levels. If early warning symptoms of hypoglycemia aren't felt and steps are not taken to restore blood glucose to a normal level, it can drop dangerously low. A person may lose consciousness before even realizing that he or she is low.
Insulin
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps the body use glucose for energy. The beta cells of the pancreas make insulin. Insulin is the key hormone that permits glucose to enter cells. It controls the amount of sugar in the blood.
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps the body use glucose for energy. The beta cells of the pancreas make insulin. Insulin is the key hormone that permits glucose to enter cells. It controls the amount of sugar in the blood.
Ketones
Ketones are organic compounds that result when body fat is broken down for energy. Glucose is usually used by cells for energy. But, when there's no insulin to help it transport out of the blood and into the cells, the body has an "energy crisis" and starts to break down body fat into ketones as an alternative fuel source.
Ketones are organic compounds that result when body fat is broken down for energy. Glucose is usually used by cells for energy. But, when there's no insulin to help it transport out of the blood and into the cells, the body has an "energy crisis" and starts to break down body fat into ketones as an alternative fuel source.
Ketosis
Ketosis is a natural process that occurs when fats are converted into energy by the body -- usually when there is not enough glucose (carbohydrates) to provide for the body's energy needs.
Ketosis is a natural process that occurs when fats are converted into energy by the body -- usually when there is not enough glucose (carbohydrates) to provide for the body's energy needs.
Nephropathy
Nephropathy is a long term complication of diabetes that results when the kidneys become damaged from years of high blood glucose levels and/or high blood pressure. The kidneys lose the ability to filter blood effectively and toxins and excess proteins build up in the blood. It needs medical attention. If left unchecked, it is a progressive condition that can result in kidney failure and dialysis.
Nephropathy is a long term complication of diabetes that results when the kidneys become damaged from years of high blood glucose levels and/or high blood pressure. The kidneys lose the ability to filter blood effectively and toxins and excess proteins build up in the blood. It needs medical attention. If left unchecked, it is a progressive condition that can result in kidney failure and dialysis.
Neuropathy
Neuropathy translates as nerve damage. People who have been unaware for several years that they have diabetes, or who have had uncontrolled high blood sugar for a long period of time may develop nerve damage. Prolonged high blood sugar causes damage to several parts of the nervous system. Sensation may become abnormal and tingling or burning pain may develop. Damage to the nerves of the skin makes damage more likely because the person can't feel changes in pressure or temperature.
Neuropathy translates as nerve damage. People who have been unaware for several years that they have diabetes, or who have had uncontrolled high blood sugar for a long period of time may develop nerve damage. Prolonged high blood sugar causes damage to several parts of the nervous system. Sensation may become abnormal and tingling or burning pain may develop. Damage to the nerves of the skin makes damage more likely because the person can't feel changes in pressure or temperature.
Postprandial
Postprandial literally means "after a meal". For people with diabetes it refers to blood glucose measurements taken 1-2 hours after a meal. This is known as the postprandial blood glucose level and is an important measurement to take because it shows how the meal affects blood glucose.
Postprandial literally means "after a meal". For people with diabetes it refers to blood glucose measurements taken 1-2 hours after a meal. This is known as the postprandial blood glucose level and is an important measurement to take because it shows how the meal affects blood glucose.
Preprandial
Preprandial literally means "before a meal". For people with diabetes it refers to blood glucose measurements taken before a meal.
Preprandial literally means "before a meal". For people with diabetes it refers to blood glucose measurements taken before a meal.
Somogyi Effect
The Somogyi effect is caused by night time hypoglycemia, that results in a rebound hyperglycemia in the early morning hours. When blood glucose drops during sleep, hormones are released which trigger the liver to release glucose. This results in a high fasting glucose reading the next morning. The Somogyi effect is a result of having extra insulin the body before bedtime, either from not having a bedtime snack, or from long-acting insulins. The Somgyi effect occurs mainly in type 1 diabetes.
The Somogyi effect is caused by night time hypoglycemia, that results in a rebound hyperglycemia in the early morning hours. When blood glucose drops during sleep, hormones are released which trigger the liver to release glucose. This results in a high fasting glucose reading the next morning. The Somogyi effect is a result of having extra insulin the body before bedtime, either from not having a bedtime snack, or from long-acting insulins. The Somgyi effect occurs mainly in type 1 diabetes.
Trans Fats
Trans fats are found in many processed and commercially baked foods, and are considered unhealthy.
Trans fats are found in many processed and commercially baked foods, and are considered unhealthy.
Triglycerides
Triglycerides are a kind of fat. When you eat food, your body uses what it needs for immediate energy and stores the rest in the form of triglycerides. Triglycerides are stored in your fat cells, but they also circulate in your blood, where they can be measured by a simple blood test. Trigylcerides are part of the overall picture when it comes to measuring cholesterol levels. Elevated triglycerides are an indication of too much fat in your diet.
Triglycerides are a kind of fat. When you eat food, your body uses what it needs for immediate energy and stores the rest in the form of triglycerides. Triglycerides are stored in your fat cells, but they also circulate in your blood, where they can be measured by a simple blood test. Trigylcerides are part of the overall picture when it comes to measuring cholesterol levels. Elevated triglycerides are an indication of too much fat in your diet.