Diabetes Glossary of Terms
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.
Basal Rate
A steady trickle of low levels of longer-acting insulin, such as that used in insulin pumps.
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.
Bolus (BOH-lus)
An extra amount of insulin taken to cover an expected rise in blood glucose, often related to a meal or snack.
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.
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.
Certified diabetes educator (cde)
A health care professional with expertise in diabetes education who has met eligibility requirements and successfully completed a certification exam.
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.
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.
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, and 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 Mastopathy
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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. Over time, this secretion stops and as this happens, the child will require more insulin from injections. The honeymoon period can last weeks, months, or even up to a year or more.
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.
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.
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 100 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.
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 Analogues
An insulin analogue is a tailored form of insulin in which certain amino acids in the insulin molecule have been modified. The analogue acts in the same way as the original insulin, but with some beneficial differences for people with diabetes. Analogues are sometimes referred to as "designer" insulins.
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.
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.
Lancet
A spring-loaded device used to prick the skin with a small needle to obtain a drop of blood for blood glucose monitoring
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.
Metformin (met-FOR-min)
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. (Brand names: Glucophage, Glucophage XR; an ingredient in Glucovance)
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 (noo-TRIH-shuh-nist)
A person with training in nutrition; may or may not have specialized training and qualifications.
Pancreas (PAN-kree-us)
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 (pee-dee-AT-rik en-doh-krih-NAH-luh-jist)
A doctor who treats children who have endocrine gland problems such as diabetes.
Pedorthist (ped-OR-thist)
A health care professional who specializes in fitting shoes for people with disabilities or deformities. A pedorthist can custom-make shoes or orthotics (special inserts for shoes).
Podiatrist (puh-DY-uh-trist)
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 (puh-DY-uh-tree)
The care and treatment of feet.
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.
Protein (PRO-teen)
- One of the three main nutrients in food. Foods that provide protein include meat, poultry, fish, cheese, milk, dairy products, eggs, and dried beans.
- Proteins are also used in the body for cell structure, hormones such as insulin, and other functions.
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.
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.
Saccharin (SAK-ah-rin)
A sweetener with no calories and no nutritional value.
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.
Side Effects
The unintended action(s) of a drug.
Sliding Scale
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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 (suh-MOH-jee) - 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 (SORE-bih-tall)
A sugar alcohol (sweetener) with 2.6 calories per gram.
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
- A class of carbohydrates with a sweet taste, including glucose, fructose and sucrose.
- 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 (PAH-lee-alls.)
Syringe (suh-RINJ)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 (ZY-lih-tall)
A carbohydrate-based sweetener found in plants and used as a substitute for sugar; provides calories. Found in some mints and chewing gum.
50/50 Insulin
Premixed insulin that is 50 percent intermediate-acting (NPH) insulin and 50 percent short-acting (regular) insulin.
70/30 Insulin
Premixed insulin that is 70 percent intermediate-acting (NPH) insulin and 30 percent short-acting (regular) insulin.
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