Understanding Diabetes » Dictionary

Dictionary

When reading about or discussing diabetes, you may come across unfamiliar words or terms. Welcome to your diabetes dictionary. To look up a word, choose an option below to find the section of the alphabet you need.

a

ACE Inhibitors:

blood pressure-lowering agents that also have a protective effect on the kidney and have been shown to be preferred agents to control blood pressure and progression of kidney damage in diabetes.

Aerobic Exercise:

Any physical exercise that makes the heart and lungs work harder to meet the muscles' need for oxygen; examples include cycling, swimming, running, and vigorous walking; use large muscle groups like arms and legs.

Alpha Cells:

Pancreatic islet cells that secrete glucagon.

Amniocentesis:

A procedure in which the physician withdraws a minute amount of amniotic fluid (the fluid surrounding the baby) from the womb at about the 15th week; examination of the fluid provides information about any genetic or biochemical disorders, blood incompatibility, and the maturity of the baby's lungs.

Angina (Angina Pectoris):

Pain or pressure in the heart region, usually radiating to the left shoulder and arm; caused by insufficient blood supply to the heart; precursor to heart attack.

Angiotensin:

A substance in the blood that causes blood vessels to tighten, raising blood pressure.

Antibody (Pl. Antibodies):

Molecule that defends the body against bacteria, viruses, or other foreign bodies (antigens); also called immunoglobulins.

Antibody:

a protein that is produced by certain cells in the immune system in response to another substance (an antigen), and that reacts specifically with that substance.

Anticoagulant:

An agent that prevents or delays blood coagulation.

Antigen:

A substance foreign to the body, often a protein; it causes the body to form an antibody that reacts only to that antigen.

Arteriosclerosis:

Thickening and hardening of arteries of all sizes throughout the body; risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Atheromatous Plaque:

A yellow, swollen area in the lining of an artery, caused by fatty deposits.

Atherosclerosis:

Fat buildup in large and small arteries that slows or stops blood flow; a condition in which fat deposits build-up in the walls of arteries; this can interfere with blood flow, causing heart attacks, strokes, and damage to various organs such as the eye and kidneys

b

Background Retinopathy:

A type of diabetic retinopathy characterized by hemorrhages, fluid accumulation, and abnormal dilatations of blood vessels; also called simple or nonproliferative retinopathy.

Beta Cells:

Pancreatic islet cells that secrete insulin.

Blood Glucose Meter:

A hand-held machine that tests blood sugar levels. A drop of blood (obtained by pricking a finger) is placed on a small strip that is inserted in the meter. The meter calculates and displays the blood sugar level.

Brittle Diabetes:

A condition characterized by extreme fluctuations in blood sugar levels within a short period of time; occurs in a small percentage of type 1 patients, especially after the first year; also called labile or unstable diabetes.

c

Calories:

Units representing the amount of energy provided by food. Carbohydrate, protein, and fat are the primary sources of calories in the diet, but alcohol also provides calories. If all calories consumed aren't used as energy, they may be stored as fat.

Carbohydrate:

One of three major sources of calories in the diet. Carbohydrates are chains of sugar molecules hooked together. Smaller chains are known as simple carbohydrates while longer chains are complex carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates naturally occur in fruits, vegetables and milk products. They are also found in processed sugars such as sweets, honey, sugar and syrups. Complex carbohydrates are starches found in breads, cereals, rice and pastas. Carbohydrate is broken down into glucose during digestion and is the main nutrient that raises blood sugar levels.

Cardiovascular Disease:

Disease of the heart and blood vessels.

Cataract:

Clouding of the lens of the eye.

Cholesterol:

A fatty substance important in metabolism; present in all animal products.

Clinical Proteinuria:

Urinary protein excretion > 0.5 g/24 hr, a level detectable by ordinary dipstick testing; corresponds to an albumin excretion of > 300 mg/24 hr (other proteins in addition to albumin are excreted at this stage).

Congenital Anomaly:

A structural abnormality developing before birth; a birth defect.

Conjugate:

A complex formed when an antibody molecule binds to its specific antigen.

Cortisol:

A hormone produced by the adrenal glands; increases blood sugar levels.

Counterregulatory (Stress) Hormones:

Hormones released during stressful situations. These hormones include glucagon, epinephrine (adrenaline), norepinephrine, cortisol, and growth hormone. They cause the liver to release glucose and the cells to release fatty acids for extra energy. If there's not enough insulin present in the body, these extra fuels can lead to hyperglycemia and ketoacidosis.

Creatine:

A normal component of blood and urine; increased quantities are found in advanced renal disease.

d

Dawn Phenomenon:

A rise in blood sugar levels between about 4 and 8 A.M.; caused by a decrease in insulin sensitivity, in turn related to a sleep-induced increase in secretion of growth hormone.

DCCT:

The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial, a 10-year controlled clinical trial for people with type 1 diabetes.

Delta Cells:

Pancreatic islet cells that secrete somatostatin.

D-glucose:

The common sugar usually called glucose; it has two configurations, D- and L-glucose, but only the D-glucose is important biologically.

Diabetes Mellitus:

A metabolic disease in which the body cannot get energy from glucose in the normal way, because the body doesn't make enough insulin or cannot use the insulin it has; in uncontrolled diabetes, high levels of glucose (sugar) build up in the blood and large quantities of sugary urine are excreted.

e

Eclampsia :

A condition characterized by coma and fits, developing between mid-pregnancy and the end of the first week postpartum.

Embolus (Pl. Emboli):

A clot (or other material such as a piece of tissue or an air bubble) that flows freely in the bloodstream.

Epinephrine :

A hormone produced by the adrenal glands; increases blood sugar levels.

Estriol Test:

A test to measure blood or urine levels of estriol (E3, a female hormone); normal levels indicate that the baby is probably healthy.

f

Fasting Plasma Glucose Test:

A diagnostic test for diabetes, performed after the patient has had nothing to eat or drink overnight.

g

Gestational Diabetes:

A condition in which high blood sugar levels develop during pregnancy in women who were not previously diabetic; diagnosed at 24-28 weeks gestation; levels usually return to normal after delivery, but about 50% of mothers with gestational diabetes later develop type 2 diabetes.

Glaucoma:

Increased pressure in the eye.

Glomerulus:

A network of capillaries that act as a filter in the kidney.

Glucagon :

A hormone produced by the alpha cells of the pancreas; increases blood sugar levels.

Glucagon Kit:

An emergency kit containing a premixed form of the hormone; used in treating hypoglycemic episodes in unconscious diabetic patients.

Glucose:

A simple sugar obtained from breakdown of carbohydrates in food; the body's source of quick energy after a meal.

Glycogen:

The form in which glucose is stored in the liver and muscles.

Glycohemoglobin:

A test that reflects average blood glucose control for about two to three months before the test. The most accurate type of this test is HbA1C.

Glycosuria:

The presence of sugar in the urine; also called glucosuria.

Glycosylated Hemoglobin Test (Ghb) :

A monitoring test to measure the amount of sugar bound to hemoglobin; this indicates the average blood glucose levels over a several month period (when blood sugar levels rise, glucose in the blood attaches to hemoglobin, the red blood cell pigment, and remains for the life of the red blood cell, about 120 days).

h

Healthcare Team:

The group of healthcare professionals who help a patient manage diabetes. This team may include a doctor, registered dietitian, and certified diabetes educator (a certified diabetes educator can also be a doctor, registered nurse, or registered dietitian). Ophthalmologists, podiatrists, and other specialists can also be part of the team.

Heart Disease:

A condition in which the heart cannot efficiently pump blood. Coronary artery disease is the most common form of heart disease. It occurs when the arteries that nourish the heart muscle narrow or become blocked. People with diabetes have a higher risk than the general population for developing heart disease.

Heart Health Assessment:

A motivational vascular risk analysis that expresses patient risk in relation to the minimum risk of the sex-related age group, based on data from the Framingham Study.

Hematocrit:

The volume of erythrocytes (red blood cells) packed by centrifugation in a given volume of blood.

Hemoglobin:

The iron-containing pigment of red blood cells; carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues.

Honeymoon Phase:

A temporary remission that occurs in about 20% of type 1 patients shortly after the onset of diabetes; pancreatic insulin secretion resumes to some degree, but usually only for a few weeks or months.

Hyperglycemia:

High blood sugar levels.

Hyperlipidemia:

A general term for the presence of excessive amounts of fats (e.g., cholesterol and triglycerides) in the blood.

Hypertension:

High blood pressure; blood pressure consistently above the normal/upper range, which is about 140/90 mm Hg.

Hypoglycemia:

Low blood sugar levels.

Hypoglycemic Reaction:

A group of symptoms that occur when blood sugar levels drop too low (below about 2.8mmol/l) in a diabetic person; the reaction is caused by too much insulin, too much exercise, too little food, or other factors.

i

Immunochemical Test:

A test that measures the amount of antigen present in a body fluid, such as urine or blood.

Immunosuppression:

Suppression of the immune system. People who receive kidney or pancreas transplants take immunosuppressive drugs to prevent the immune system from attacking the new organ.

Impaired Glucose Tolerance:

A term to describe blood glucose levels falling between normal and diabetic range; not considered a form of diabetes but a precursor to development of diabetes, if ignored.

Insulin:

A hormone produced in the pancreas; helps glucose enter the body cells, where it is used for energy.

Insulin Pen:

A small, pre-filled pen-shaped device with a sharp, disposable needle; used to inject insulin.

Insulin Resistance:

Resistance of the body cells to take in glucose in the presence of insulin.

Intensive Insulin Regimen:

The use of multiple daily insulin injections or an insulin infusion pump to achieve tight control of blood sugar level; administration of insulin and frequent self- monitoring of blood glucose.

Islets of Langerhans:

Groups of cells in the pancreas; the islets contain beta cells, alpha cells, and delta cells.

j

Jet Injector:

A needle-free device that projects insulin through the skin under high pressure.

k

Ketoacidosis:

A dangerous condition in which ketone levels build up in the blood and ketones "spill" into the urine. Ketones are poisonous substances.

Ketones (Ketone Bodies):

Waste products produced when fatty acids are broken down for energy.

Ketonuria:

The presence of ketones in the urine.

l

Label:

A substance attached to or incorporated in another molecule to enable the other molecule to be traced; radioactive or enzymatic labels are commonly used.

Lancet:

A small, sharp device for making a small incision in the skin.

Lipoproteins:

Large fatty molecules in the blood, consisting of proteins and fat, e.g., cholesterol and triglycerides; categorized as very-low-density (VLDL), low-density (LDL), and high-density (HDL) lipoproteins.

m

Macrosomia:

Abnormally large body size in an infant; the physical site is greater than organ maturity.

Macular Edema:

Swelling of the retina, due to the presence of excess fluid.

Metabolic:

Pertaining to the physical and chemical changes that occur in the body.

Microalbuminuria:

The presence of very small amounts of protein in urine; a very early sign of vascular damage to the kidney in type 1 diabetes and a sign of increased vascular risk in type 2; reversible if detected and treated.

Myocardial Infarction (M.I.):

Damage to the heart muscle, caused by blockage of one or more of the coronary arteries; a heart attack.

n

Nephron:

The structural and functional unit of the kidney.

Nephropathy:

Any inflammation or breakdown disorder of the kidney.

Neuropathy:

Disease of the nerves.

o

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT):

A (rarely necessary) diagnostic test for diabetes; the patient fasts overnight and several blood samples are drawn the next morning (over a two-hour period) after the patient drinks a sugary drink.

Oral Hypoglycemic Drugs:

Drugs taken by mouth by some patients with type 2 to help lower blood sugar levels; these drugs do not contain insulin, but stimulate insulin production internally to lower blood sugar.

Overt Diabetic Nephropathy:

Stage IV nephropathy; characterized by clinical proteinuria; irreversible kidney damage.

Oxidation:

The process in which a substance combines with oxygen.

p

Pancreas:

A large gland behind the stomach; contains groups of cells, including beta cells, which secrete insulin; also secretes a digestive juice into the small intestine.

Parameter:

A term used in biological sciences to indicate a variable being measured, e.g., glucose.

Paresthesia:

A feeling of numbness, prickling, or tingling, sometimes pain.

Photocoagulation:

A procedure in which light rays or a laser beam are used to produce local coagulation; used to seal bleeding blood vessels and to treat other eye conditions.

Polycythemia Vera:

A life-shortening disorder of the bone marrow.

Polydipsia:

Excessive thirst.

Polyphagia:

Excessive appetite or overeating.

Polyuria:

Frequent urination.

Proliferative Retinopathy:

A type of diabetic retinopathy when abnormal blood vessels grow over the surface of the retina. If these fragile blood vessels rupture, the blood blocks the passage of light into the retina and loss of vision or blindness may occur. These blood vessels can also form scar tissue, which may pull on the retina and cause it to detach from the back of the eye.

r

Random Plasma Glucose Test:

A diagnostic test for diabetes; performed without concern for the time of the most recent meal.

Renal Threshold:

The blood sugar level at which the kidneys "spill" excess sugar from the blood into the urine; the average is about 10mmol/l, but wide variation exists.

Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS):

Life-threatening respiratory failure in which the lungs do not expand at birth; formerly known as hyaline membrane disease.

Retinopathy:

Disease of the retina, the light sensing tissue of the eye.

s

Secondary Diabetes:

A condition in which the pancreas or another organ is damaged by disease, chemicals, or drugs, causing interference with insulin production.

Serum Fructosamine Test:

A test that measures levels of glycated serum proteins, which reflect to some degree the blood sugar levels over the previous two to three weeks; the test is of limited usefulness because of overlaps in test values; does not correlate well to the HbA1c test.

SMBG:

Self-monitoring of blood glucose. This refers to patients with diabetes who test their own blood to learn blood glucose levels and manage their diabetes.

Somatostatin:

A hormone produced by the delta cells of the islets; helps regulate blood sugar levels by controlling release of insulin and glucagon between meals.

Somatotropin (Growth Hormone):

A hormone produced by the pituitary gland; increases blood glucose levels.

Somogyi Effect:

A swing to very high glucose levels from very low levels, which in turn are caused by an insulin reaction during the night; the rebound is caused by the release of stress hormones.

Stroke:

Sudden loss of consciousness, followed by paralysis; caused by hemorrhage in the brain or formation of an embolus or thrombus that blocks an artery; also called cerebrovascular accident (CVA).

t

Thrombolytic Agent:

A drug that dissolves clots.

Thrombus (Pl. Thrombi):

An abnormal clot that develops on the interior wall of a blood vessel.

Triglyceride:

A fat obtained from food and produced in the body from overeating any types of food; the body stores excess calories and fat as triglycerides.

Type 1 Diabetes:

The type of diabetes in which the pancreas produces no insulin or extremely small amounts; people with type 1 need to take insulin injections in order to live.

Type 2 Diabetes:

The type of diabetes in which the body doesn't use its insulin effectively or doesn't produce enough insulin.

u

UKPDS:

United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study, a 20-year controlled clinical trial on over 5,000 patients with type 2 diabetes.

Ultrasound:

A noninvasive procedure that outlines various tissues and organs; often performed at about 18-28 weeks to verify a baby's gestational age and to reveal any physical abnormalities.

v

Vascular:

Pertaining to blood vessels.

Vascular Risk:

Risk to target organs and tissues (heart, brain, leg, kidney, eye, nerves) as a result of damage to blood vessels; the damage is caused by diabetes and/or hypertension, and hyperlipidemia.

Vitrectomy:

A surgical procedure in which the contents of the cavity of the eyeball behind the lens are removed by suction and cutting, and replaced with a physiological fluid.

Vitreous:

The transparent, jelly-like material that fills the cavity of the eyeball; sometimes called the vitreous or the vitreum.