Glossary of Diabetes Terms & Definitions

Commonly used Diabetes-related Terms & Definitions:
The following glossary of diabetes terms provides the definitions of words that are used throughout the Defeat Diabetes Foundation website as well as other sources of diabetes information.  Terms are listed alphabetically, and only the meanings which pertain to diabetes are included. 

Select word or term Alphabetically

A

A1C -  A test that measures a person's average blood glucose level over the past 2 to 3 months. Hemoglobin 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 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.

Acanthosis Nigricans - A skin condition characterized by darkened skin patches; common in people whose body is not responding correctly to the insulin that they make in their pancreas (insulin resistance). This skin condition is also seen in people who have pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes.

Acarbose  - 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. (Brand name: Precose.)

ACE Inhibitor  - An oral medicine that lowers blood pressure; ACE stands for angiotensin converting enzyme. For people with diabetes, especially those who have protein (albumin) in the urine, it also helps slow down kidney damage.

Acesulfame - A dietary sweetener with no calories and no nutritional value. Also known as acesulfame-K. (Brand name: Sunett)

Acetohexamide  - 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 call sulfonylureas. Brand name: Dymelor)

Acetone  - A chemical formed in the blood when the body uses fat instead of glucose (sugar) for energy.  If acetone forms, it usually means that the cells do not have enough insulin, or cannot use the insulin that is in the blood, to use glucose for energy.  Acetone passes through the body into the urine.  Someone with a lot of acetone in the body can have breath that smells fruity and is called "acetone breath."  See also:  Ketone bodies.

Acidosis  - Too much acid in the body.  For a person with diabetes, this can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis.  See also:  Diabetic Ketoacidosis.

Actos - See pioglitazone.

Acute - Happens for a limited period of time; abrupt onset; sharp, severe. Opposite of chronic.

Adhesive Capsulitis - A condition of the shoulder associated with diabetes that results in pain and loss of the ability to move the shoulder in all directions.

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B

Background Retinopathy - Early stage of diabetic retinopathy; usually does not impair vision.  Also called "nonproliferative retinopathy."

Basal Rate -  Refers to a continuous supply of low levels of insulin, as in insulin pump therapy.

Beta Cell  - A type of cell in the pancreas in areas called the islets of Langerhans.  Beta cells make and release insulin, a hormone that controls the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood.

Beta Cell Transplantation - See:  Islet cell transplantation.

Biosynthetic Human Insulin -  A man-made insulin that is very much like human insulin.  

Biphasic Insulin - A type of insulin that is a mixture of intermediate- and fast-acting insulin.

Blood Glucose - The main sugar that the body makes from the three elements of food--proteins, fats, and carbohydrates-- but mostly from carbohydrates.  Glucose is the major source of energy for living cells and is carried to each cell through the bloodstream.  However, the cells cannot use glucose without the help of insulin.

Blood Glucose Meter - A machine that helps test how much glucose (sugar) is in the blood.  A fresh sample of blood is inserted in a machine, which then calculates the correct level of glucose in the blood sample and shows the result in a digital display.

Blood Glucose Monitoring - A way of testing how much glucose (sugar) is in the blood.  A drop of blood, usually taken from the fingertip, is placed on the end of a specially coated strip, called a testing strip.  The strip has a chemical on it that makes it change color according to how much glucose is in the blood.  A person can tell if the level of glucose is low, high, or normal in one of two ways.  The first is by comparing the color on the end of the strip to a color chart that is printed on the side of the test strip container.  The second is by inserting the strip into a small machine, called a meter, which "reads" the strip and shows the level of blood glucose in a digital window display.  Note:  Blood testing is more accurate than urine testing in monitoring blood glucose levels because it shows what the current level of glucose is, rather than what the level was an hour or so previously.

Blood Pressure - The force of the blood on the walls of the arteries.  Two levels of blood pressure are measured - the higher, or systolic, pressure, which occurs each time the heart pushes blood into the vessels, and the lower, or diastolic, pressure, which occurs when the heart rests.  In a blood pressure reading of 120/80, for example, 120 is the systolic pressure and 80 is the diastolic pressure.  A reading of 120/80 is said to be the normal range.  Blood pressure that is too high can cause health problems such as heart attacks and strokes.

Blood-Sampling Devices - A small instrument for pricking the skin with a fine needle to obtain a sample of blood to test for glucose (sugar).  See also:  Blood glucose monitoring.

Blood Sugar  - See:  Blood glucose

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) -  A waste product of the kidneys.  Increased levels of BUN in the blood may indicate early kidney damage.

Blood Vessels  - Tubes that act like a system of roads or canals to carry blood to and from all parts of the body.  The three main types of blood vessels are arteries, veins, and capillaries.  The heart pumps blood through these vessels so that the blood can carry with it oxygen and nutrients that the cells need or take away waste that the cells do not need.

Bolus -  An extra boost of insulin given to cover expected rise in blood glucose (sugar) such as the rise that occurs after eating.

Borderline Diabetes -  A term no longer used.  See:  Impaired glucose tolerence.

Brittle Diabetes -  A term used when a person's blood glucose (sugar) level often swings quickly from high to low and from low to high.  Also called labile and unstable diabetes.

Bronze Diabetes -  A genetic disease of the liver in which the body takes too much iron from food.  Also called "hemocromatosis."

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C 

C.D.E. (Certified Diabetes Educator)  A health care professional who is qualified by the American Association of Diabetes Educators to teach people with diabetes how to manage their condition.  The health care team for diabetes should include a diabetes educator, preferably a C.D.E.

C-Peptide  A substance that the pancreas releases into the bloodstream in equal amounts to insulin.  A test of C-peptide levels will show how much insulin the body is making.

Calorie  Energy that comes from food.  Some foods have more calories than others.  Fats have many calories.  Most vegetables have few.  People with diabetes are advised to follow meal plans with suggested amounts of calories for each meal and/or snack.  See also:  Meal plan; exchange lists.

Capillary  The smallest part of the body's blood vessels.  Capillaries have walls so thin that oxygen and glucose can pass through them and enter the cells, and waste products such as carbon dioxide can pass back into the blood to be carried away and taken out of the body.  Sometimes people who have diabetes for a long time find that their capillaries become weak, especially those in the kidney and the retina of the eye.  See also:  Blood vessels.

Capsaicin  A topical ointment made from chili peppers used to relieve the pain of peripheral neuropathy.

Carbohydrate  One of the three main classes of foods and a source of energy.  Carbohydrates are mainly sugars and starches that the body breaks down into glucose (a simple sugar that the body can use to feed its cells).  The body also uses carbohydrates to make a substance called glycogen that is stored in the liver and muscles for future use.  If the body does not have enough insulin or cannot use the insulin it has, then the body will not be able to use carbohydrates for energy the way it should.  This condition is called diabetes.  See also:  Fats; protein.

Cardiologist  A doctor who sees and takes care of people with heart disease; a heart specialist.

Cardiovascular  Relating to the heart and blood vessels (arteries, veins, and capillaries); the circulatory system.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome  A nerve disorder affecting the hand that may occur in people with diabetes; caused by a pinched nerve.

Cataract  Clouding of the lens of the eye.  In people with diabetes, this condition is sometimes referred to as "sugar cataract."

Cerebrovascular Disease  Damage to the blood vessels in the brain, resulting in stroke.  The blood vessels become blocked because of fat deposits or they become thick and hard, blocking the flow of blood to the brain.  Sometimes the blood vessels may burst, resulting in a hemorrhagic stroke.  People with diabetes are at higher risk of cerebrovascular disease.  See also:  Macrovascular disease; stroke.

Charcot Foot  A foot complication associated with diabetic neuropathy that results in destruction of joints and soft tissue.  Also called "Charcot's joint" and "neuropathic arthropathy."

Chemical Diabetes  A term no longer used.  See:  Impaired glucose tolerance.

Chlorpropamide  A pill taken to lower the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood.  Only some people with noninsulin-dependent diabetes take these pills.  See also:  Oral hypoglycemic agents.

Chronic  Present over a long period of time.  Diabetes is an example of chronic disease.

Circulation  The flow of blood through the heart and blood vessels of the body.

Clinical Trial  A scientifically controlled study carried out in people, usually to test the effectiveness of a new treatment.

Coma  A sleep-like state; not conscious.  May be due to a high or low level of glucose (sugar) in the blood.  See also:  Diabetic coma.

Comatose  In a coma; not conscious.

Complications of Diabetes  Harmful effects that may happen when a person has diabetes.  Some effects, such as hypoglycemia, can happen any time.  Others develop when a person has diabetes for a long time.  These include damage to the retina of the eye (retinopathy), the blood vessels (angiopathy), the nervous system (neuropathy), and the kidneys (nephropathy).  Studies show that keeping blood glucose levels as close to the normal, nondiabetic range as possible may help prevent, slow, or delay harmful effects to the eyes, kidneys, and nerves.  Click here to go to the Defeat Diabetes Foundation "Complications" page.

Congenital Defects  Problems or conditions that are present at birth.

Congestive Heart Failure  Heart failure caused by loss of pumping power by the by the heart, resulting in fluids collecting in the body.  Congestive heart failure often develops gradually over several years, although it also can happen suddenly.  It can be treated by drugs and in some cases, by surgery.

Contradiction  A condition that makes a treatment not helpful or even harmful.

Controlled Disease  Taking care of oneself so that a disease has less of an effect on the body.  People with diabetes can "control" the disease by staying on their diets, by exercising, by taking medicine if it is needed, and by monitoring their blood glucose.  This care will help keep the glucose (sugar) level in the blood from becoming either too high or too low.

Conventional Therapy  A system of diabetes management which should be practiced by most people with diabetes; the system consists of one or two insulin injections each day, daily self-monitoring of blood glucose, and a standard program of nutrition and exercise.  The main objective in this form of treatment is to avoid very high and very low blood glucose (sugar).  Also called:  "Standard Therapy."

Coronary Disease  Damage to the heart.  Not enough blood flows through the vessels because they are blocked with fat or have become thick and hard; this harms the muscles of the heart.  People with diabetes are at a higher risk of coronary disease.

Creatinine  A chemical found in the blood and passed in the urine.  A test of the amount of creatinine in blood or in blood and urine shows if the kidney is working right or if it is diseased.  This is called the creatinine clearance test.

CSII:  Continuous Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion  See:  Insulin pump.

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D

Dawn Phenomenon  A sudden rise in blood glucose levels in the early morning hours.  This condition sometimes occurs in people with insulin-dependent diabetes and (rarely) in people with noninsulin-dependent diabetes.  Unlike the Somogyi effect, it is not a result of an insulin reaction.  People who have high levels of blood glucose in the mornings before eating may need to monitor their blood glucose during the night.  If blood glucose levels are rising, adjustments in evening snacks or insulin dosages may be recommended.  See also:  Somogyi effect.

Dehydration  Great loss of body water.  A very high level of glucose (sugar) in the urine causes loss of a great deal of water, and the person becomes very thirsty.

Delta Cell  A type of cell in the pancreas in areas called islets of Langerhans.  Delta cells make somatostatin, a hormone that is believed to control how the beta cells make and release insulin and how the alpha cells make and release glucagon.

Desensitization  A method to reduce or stop a response such as an allergic reaction to something.  For instance, if a person with diabetes has a bad reaction to taking a full dose of beef insulin, the doctor gives the person a very small amount of the insulin at first.  Over a period of time, larger doses are given until the person is taking the full dose.  This is one way to help the body get used to the full dose and to avoid having the allergic reaction.

Dextrose  A simple sugar found in the blood.  It is the body's main source of energy.  Also called glucose.  See also:  Blood glucose.

Diabetes Mellitus  A disease that occurs when the body is not able to use sugar as it should.  The body needs sugar for growth and energy for daily activities.  It gets sugar when it changes food into glucose (a form of sugar).  A hormone called insulin is needed for the glucose to be taken up and used by the body.  Diabetes occurs when the body cannot make use of the glucose in the blood for energy because either the pancreas is not able to make enough insulin or the insulin that is available is not effective.  The beta cells in areas of the pancreas called the islets of Langerhans usually make insulin.                      There are two main types of diabetes mellitus:  insulin-dependent (Type I) and noninsulin-dependent (Type II).  In insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM), the pancreas makes little or no insulin because the insulin-producing beta cells have been destroyed.  This type usually appears suddenly and most commonly in younger people under age 30.  Treatment consists of daily insulin injections or use of an insulin pump, a planned diet and regular exercise, and daily self-monitoring of blood glucose.

 In non-insulin dependent diabetes (NIDDM), the pancreas makes some insulin, sometimes too much.  The insulin, however, is not effective (see Insulin Resistance).  NIDDM is controlled by diet and exercise and daily monitoring of glucose levels.  Sometimes oral drugs that lower blood glucose levels or insulin injections are needed.  This type of diabetes usually develops gradually, most often in people over 40 years of age.  NIDDM accounts for 90 to 95 percent of diabetes.  

For the Warning Signs of diabetes, click HERE.  When done, just hit your browsers "Back" button to return here.

 In insulin-dependent diabetes, if the level of insulin is too low for a long period of time, the body begins to break down its stores of fat for energy.  This causes the body to release acids (ketones) into the blood.  The result is called ketoacidosis, a severe condition that may put a person into a coma if not treated right away.

The causes of diabetes are not known.  Scientists think that insulin-dependent diabetes may be more than one disease and may have many causes.  They are looking at hereditary (whether or not the person has parents or other family members with the disease) and at factors both inside and outside the body, including viruses.

Noninsulin-dependent diabetes appears to be closely associated with obesity and with the body resisting the action of insulin.

Diabetic Amyotrophy  A disease of the nerves leading to the muscles.  This condition affects only one side of the body and occurs most often in older men with mild diabetes.  See also:  Neuropathy.

Diabetic Angiopathy  See:  Angiopathy.

Diabetic Coma  A severe emergency in which a person is not conscious because the blood glucose (sugar) is too low or too high.  If the glucose level is too low, the person has hypoglycemia; if the level is too high, the person has hyperglycemia and may develop ketoacidosis.  See also:  Hyperglycemia; hypoglycemia; diabetic ketoacidosis.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)  Severe, out-of-control diabetes (high blood sugar) that needs emergency treatment.  DKA happens when blood sugar levels get too high.  This may happen because of illness, taking too little insulin, or getting too little exercise.  The body starts using stored fat for energy, and ketone bodies (acids) build up in the blood.

Ketoacidosis starts slowly and builds up.  The signs include nausea and vomiting, which can lead to loss of water from the body, stomach pain, and deep and rapid breathing.  Other signs are a flushed face, dry skin and mouth, a fruity breath odor, a rapid and weak pulse, and low blood pressure.  If the person is not given fluids and insulin right away, ketoacidosis can lead to coma and even death.

Diabetic Myelopathy  Spinal cord damage found in some people with diabetes.

Diabetic Nephropathy  See:  Nephropathy

Diabetic Neuropathy  See:  Neuropathy

Diabetic Osteopathy  Loss of foot bone as viewed by x-ray; usually temporary.  Also called "disappearing bone disease."

Diabetic Retinopathy  A disease of the small blood vessels of the retina of the eye.  When retinopathy first starts, the tiny blood vessels in the retina become swollen, and they leak a little fluid into the center of the retina.  The person's sight may be blurred.  This condition is called background retinopathy.  About 80 percent of people with background retinopathy never have serious vision problems, and the disease never goes beyond this first stage.

However, if retinopathy progresses, the harm to sight can be more serious.  Many new, tiny blood vessels grow out and across the eye.  This is called neovascularization.  The vessels may break and bleed into the clear gel that fills the center of the eye, blocking vision.  Scar tissue may also form near the retina, pulling it away from the back of the eye.  This stage is called proliferative retinopathy, and it can lead to impaired vision and even blindness.  See also:  Photocoagulation or vitrectomy for treatments.

Diabetogenic  Causing diabetes; some drugs cause blood glucose (sugar) to rise, resulting in diabetes.

Diabetologist  A doctor who sees and treats people with diabetes mellitus.  See also:  Endocrinologist.

Diagnosis  The term used when a doctor finds that a person has a certain medical problem or disease.

Dialysis  A method for removing waste such as urea from the blood when the kidneys can no longer do the job.  The two types of dialysis are:  hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.  In hemodialysis, the patient's blood is passed through a tube into a machine that filters out waste products.  The cleansed blood is then returned to the body.

In peritoneal dialysis, a special solution is run through a tube into the peritoneum, a thin tissue that lines the cavity of the abdomen.  The body's waste products are removed through the tube.  There are three types of peritoneal dialysis.  Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), the most common type, needs no machine and can be done at home.  Continuous cyclic peritoneal dialysis (CCPD) uses a machine and is usually performed at night when the person is sleeping.  Intermittent peritoneal dialysis (IPD) uses the same type of machine as CCPD, but is usually done in the hospital because treatment takes longer.  Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis may be used to treat people with diabetes who have kidney failure.

Diet Plan  See:  Meal plan.

Dietitian  An expert in nutrition who helps people with special health needs plan the kinds and amounts of foods to eat.  A registered dietitian (R.D.) has special qualifications.  The health care team for diabetes should include a dietitian, preferably an R.D.

Dilated Pupil Examination  A necessary part of an examination for diabetic eye disease.  Special drops are used to enlarge the pupils, enabling the doctor to view the back of the eye for damage.

Distal Sensory Neuropathy  See:  Peripheral neuropathy.

Diuretic  A drug that increases the flow of urine to rid the body of extra fluid.

DKA  See:  Diabetic ketoacidosis.

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)  A chemical substance in plant and animal cells that tells the cells what to do and when to do it.  DNA is the information about what each person inherits from his or her parents.

Dupuytren's Contracture  A condition that causes the fingers to curve inward and may also affect the palm.  The condition is more common in people with diabetes and may precede diabetes.

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E

Edema  A swelling or puffiness of some part of the body such as the ankles.  Water or other body fluids collect in the cells and cause swelling.

Electromyography (EMG)  Test used to diagnose neuropathy and check for nerve damage.

Emergency Medical Identification  Cards, bracelets, or necklaces with a written message used by people with diabetes or other medical problems to alert others in case of a medical emergency such as coma.

Endocrine Glands  Glands that release hormones into the bloodstream.  They affect how the body uses food (metabolism).  They also influence other body functions.  One endocrine gland is the pancreas.  It releases insulin so the body can use sugar for energy.

Endocrinologist  A doctor who treats people who have problems with their endocrine glands.  Diabetes is an endocrine disorder.

Endogenous  Grown or made inside the body.  Insulin made by a person's own pancreas is endogenous insulin.  Insulin that is made from beef or pork pancreas or derived from bacteria is exogenous because it comes from outside the body and must be injected.

End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)  The final phase of kidney disease; treated by dialysis or kidney transplantation.  See also:  Dialysis; nephropathy.

Enzymes  A special type of protein.  Enzymes help the body's chemistry work better and more quickly.  Each enzyme usually has its own chemical job to do such as helping to change starch into glucose (sugar).

Epidemiology  The study of a disease that deals with how many people have it, where they are, how many new cases develop, and how to control the disease.  (Please read and participate on our feedback page.  Just click here.)

Epinephrine  One of the secretions of the adrenal glands.  It helps the liver release glucose (sugar) and limit the release of insulin.  It also makes the heart beat faster and can raise blood pressure; also called adrenalin.

Etiology  The study of what causes a disease; also the cause or causes of a certain disease.

Euglycemia  A normal level of glucose (sugar) in the blood.

Exchange Lists  A grouping of foods by type to help people on special diets stay on the diet.  Each group lists food in serving sizes.  A person can exchange, trade, or substitute a food serving in one group for another food serving in the same group.  The lists put foods in six groups:  (1)  starch / bread, (2)  meat, (3)  vegetables, (4)  fruit, (5)  milk, and (6)  fats.  Within a food group, each serving has about the same amount of carbohydrate, protein, fat, and calories.

Exogenous  Grown or made outside the body; for instance, insulin made from pork or beef pancreas is exogenous insulin for people.

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F

Fasting Blood Glucose Test  A method for finding out how much glucose (sugar) is in the blood.  The test can show if a person has diabetes.  A blood sample is taken in a lab or a doctor's office.  The test is usually done in the morning before the person has eaten.  The normal, nondiabetic range for blood glucose is from 80 to 120 mg/dl (milligrams per deciliter), depending on the type of blood being tested.  If the level is over 126 mg/dl, it usually means the person has diabetes (except for newborns and some pregnant women).

Fats  One of the three main classes of foods and a source of energy in the body.  Fats help the body use some vitamins and keep the skin healthy.  They also serve as stores for the body.  In food, there are two main types of fats; saturated and unsaturated.

Saturated fats are solid at room temperature and come chiefly from animal food products.  Some examples are butter, lard, meat fat, solid shortening, palm oil, and coconut oil.  These fats tend to raise the level of cholesterol, a fat-like substance in the blood.

Unsaturated fats, which include monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats, are liquid at room temperature and come from plant oils such as olive, peanut, corn, cottonseed, sunflower, safflower, and soybean.  These fats tend to lower the level of cholesterol in the blood.  See also:  Carbohydrate; protein.

Fatty Acids  A basic unit of fats.  When insulin levels are too low or there is not enough glucose (sugar) to use for energy, the body burns fatty acids for energy.  The body then makes ketone bodies, waste products that cause the acid level in the blood to become too high.  This in turn may lead to ketoacidosis, a serious problem.  See also:  Diabetic ketoacidosis.

Fiber  A substance found in food that comes from plants.  Fiber helps in the digestive process and is thought to lower cholesterol and help control blood glucose (sugar).  The two types of fiber in food are soluble and insoluble.  Soluble fiber, found in beans, fruits, and oat products, dissolves in water and is thought to help lower blood fats and blood glucose (sugar).  Insoluble fiber, found in whole-grain products and vegetables, passes directly through the digestive system, helping to rid the body of waste products.

Fluorescein Angiography  A method of taking a picture of the flow of blood in the vessels of the eye by tracing the progress of an injected dye.

Food Exchange  See:  Exchange lists.

Foot Care  Taking special steps to avoid foot problems such as sores, cuts, bunions, and calluses.  Good care includes daily examination of the feet, toes, and toenails and choosing shoes and socks or stockings that fit well.  People with diabetes have to take special care of their feet because nerve damage and reduced blood flow sometimes mean they will have less feeling in their feet than normal.  They may not notice cuts and other problems as soon as they should.

Fractional Urine  Urine that a person collects for a certain period of time during 24 hours; usually from breakfast to lunch, from lunch to supper, from supper to bedtime, and from bedtime to rising.  Also called "block urine."

Fructose  A type of sugar found in many fruits and vegetables and in honey.  Fructose is used to sweeten some diet foods.  It is considered a nutritive sweetener because it has calories.

Fundus of the Eye  The back or deep part of the eye, including the retina.

Funduscopy  A test to look at the back area of the eye to see if there is any damage to the vessels that bring blood to the retina.  The doctor uses a device called an ophthalmoscope to check the eye.

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G

Galactose  A type of sugar found in milk products and sugar beets.  It is also made by the body.  It is considered a nutritive sweetener because it has calories.

Gangrene  The death of body tissue.  It is most often caused by loss of blood flow, especially in the legs and feet.

Gastroparesis  A form of nerve damage that affects the stomach.  Food is not digested properly and does not move through the stomach in a normal way, resulting in vomiting, nausea, or bloating and interfering with diabetes management.  See also:  Autonomic neuropathy.

Gene  A basic unit of heredity.  Genes are made of DNA, a substance that tells the cells what to do and when to do it.  The information in the genes is passed from parent to child---for example, a gene might tell some cells to make the hair red or the eyes brown.

Genetic  Relating to genes.  See also:  Gene; heredity.

Gestation  The length of pregnancy.

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)  A type of diabetes mellitus that can occur when a woman is pregnant.  In the second half of pregnancy, the woman may have glucose (sugar) in the blood at a higher level than normal.  However, when the pregnancy ends, the blood glucose levels return to normal in about 95 percent of all cases.

Gingivitis  An inflammation of the gums that if left untreated may lead to periodontal disease, a serious gum disorder.  Signs of gingivitis are inflamed and bleeding gums.  See also:  Periodontal disease.

Gland  A group of special cells that make substances so other parts of the body can work.  For example, the pancreas is a gland that releases insulin so that other body cells can use glucose (sugar) for energy.  See also:  Endocrine glands.

Glaucoma  An eye disease associated with increased pressure within the eye.  Glaucoma can damage the optic nerve and cause impaired vision and blindness.

Glomerular Filtration Rate  Measure of the kidney's ability to filter and remove waste products.

Glomeruli  Network of tiny blood vessels in the kidneys where the blood is filtered and waste products are removed.

Glucagon  A hormone that raises the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood.  The alpha cells of the pancreas (in areas called the islets of Langerhans) make glucagon when the body needs to put more sugar into the blood.

An injectable form of glucagon, which can be bought in a drug store, is sometimes used to treat insulin shock.  The glucagon is injected and quickly raises blood glucose levels.  See also:  Alpha cell.

Glucose  A simple sugar found in the blood.  It is the body's main source of energy; also known as dextrose.  See also:  Blood glucose.

Glucose Tolerance Test  A test to see if a person has diabetes.  The test is given in a lab or doctor's office in the morning before the person has eaten.  A first sample of the blood is taken from the person.  Then the person drinks a liquid that has glucose (sugar) in it.  After one hour, a second blood sample is drawn, and, after another hour, a third sample is taken.  The object is to see how well the body deals with the glucose in the blood over time.

Glycemic Response  The effect of different foods on blood glucose (sugar) levels over a period of time.  Researchers have discovered that some kinds of foods may raise blood glucose levels more quickly than other foods containing the same amount of carbohydrates.

Glycogen  A substance made up of sugars.  It is stored in the liver and muscles and releases glucose (sugar) into the blood when needed by cells.  Glycogen is the chief source of stored fuel in the body.

Glycogenesis (or glucogenesis)  The process by which glycogen is formed into glucose.  See also:  Glycogen.

Glycosuria  Having glucose (sugar) in the urine.

Glycosylated Hemoglobin Test  A blood test that measures a person's blood glucose (sugar) level for the 2- to 3-month period before the test.  See:  Hemoglobin A1C.

Gram  A unit of weight in the metric system.  There are 28 grams in 1 ounce.  In some diet plans for people with diabetes, the suggested amounts of food are given in grams.

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H

HCF Diet  A high-carbohydrate, high-fiber diet.

Hemocromatosis  See:  Bronze diabetes.

Hemodialysis  A mechanical method of cleaning the blood for people who have kidney disease.  See also:  Dialysis.

Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C)  The substance of red blood cells that carries oxygen to the cells and sometimes joins with glucose (sugar).  Because the glucose stays attached for the life of the cell (about 4 months), a test to measure hemoglobin A1C shows what the person's average blood glucose level was for that period of time.

Heredity  The passing of a trait such as color of the eyes from parent to child.  A person "inherits" these traits through the genes.

High Blood Pressure  When the blood flows through the vessels at a greater than normal force.  High blood pressure strains the heart; harms the arteries; and increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney problems.  Also called hypertension.

Hives (Urticaria)  A skin reaction that results in slightly elevated patches that are redder or paler than the surrounding skin and often are accompanied by itching.

HLA Antigens  Proteins on the outer part of the cell that help th body fight illness.  These proteins vary from person to person.  Scientists think that people with certain types of HLA antigens are more likely to develop insulin-dependent diabetes.

Home Blood Glucose Monitoring  A way a person can test how much glucose (sugar) is in the blood.  Also called self-monitoring of blood glucose.  See also:  Blood glucose monitoring.

Homeostatis  When the body is working as it should because all of its systems are in balance.

Hormone  A chemical released by special cells to tell other cells what to do.  For instance, insulin is a hormone made by the beta cells in the pancreas.  When released, insulin tells other cells to use glucose (sugar) for energy.

Human Insulin  Man-made insulins that are similar to insulin produced by your own body.  Human insulin has been available since 1982.

Hyperglycemia  Too high a level of glucose (sugar) in the blood; a sign that diabetes is out of control.  Many things can cause hyperglycemia.  It occurs when the body does not have enough insulin or cannot use the insulin it does have to turn glucose into energy.  Signs of hyperglycemia are a great thirst, a dry mouth, and a need to urinate often.  For people with insulin-dependent diabetes, hyperglycemia may lead to diabetic ketoacidosis.

Hyperinsulinism  Too high a level of insulin in the blood.  This term most often refers to a condition in which the body produces too much insulin.  Researchers believe that this condition may play a role in the development of noninsulin-dependent diabetes and in hypertension.  See also:  Syndrome X.

Hyperlipemia  See:  Hyperlipidemia.

Hyperlipidemia  Too high a level of fats (lipids) in the blood.  See also:  Syndrome X.

Hyperosmolar Coma  A coma (loss of consciousness) related to high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood and requiring emergency treatment.  A person with this condition is usually older and weak from loss of body fluids and weight.  The person may or may not have a previous history of diabetes.  Ketones (acids) are not present in the urine.

Hypertension  Blood pressure that is above the normal range.  See also:  High blood pressure.

Hypoglycemia  Too low a level of glucose (sugar) in the blood.  This occurs when a person with diabetes has injected too much insulin, eaten too little food, or has exercised without extra food.  A person with hypoglycemia may feel nervous, shaky, weak, or sweaty, and have a headache, blurred vision, and hunger.  Taking small amounts of sugar, sweet juice, or food with sugar will usually help the person feel better within 10-15 minutes.  See also:  Insulin shock.

Hypotension  Low blood pressure or a sudden drop in blood pressure.  A person rising quickly from a sitting or reclining position may have a sudden fall in blood pressure, causing dizziness or fainting.

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I

IDDM  See:  Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

IGT  See:  Impaired glucose tolerence.

Immunosuppressive Drugs  Drugs that block the body's ability to fight infection or foreign substances that enter the body.  A person receiving a kidney or pancreas transplant is given these drugs to stop the body from rejecting the new organ or tissue.  Cyclosporin is a commonly used immunosuppressive drug.

Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT)  Blood glucose (sugar) levels higher than normal but not high enough to be called diabetes.  People with IGT may or may not develop diabetes.  Other names (no longer used) for IGT are "borderline," "subclinical," "chemical," or "latent" diabetes.

Implantable Insulin Pump  A small pump placed inside of the body that delivers insulin in response to commands from a hand-held device called a programmer.

Impotence  The loss of a man's ability to have an erect penis and to emit semen.  Some men may become impotent after having diabetes for a long time because the nerves or blood vessels have become damaged.  Sometimes the problem has nothing to do with diabetes and may be treated with counseling.

Incidence  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.

Ingestion  Taking food, water, or medicine into the body by mouth.

Injection  Putting liquid into the body with a needle and syringe.  A person with diabetes injects insulin by putting the needle into tissue under the skin (called subcutaneous).  Other ways of giving medicine or nourishment by injection are to put the needle into a vein (intravenous) or into a muscle (intramuscular).

Injection Sights  Places on the body where people can inject insulin most easily.  These are:

	The outer area of the upper arm.
	Just above and below the waist, except the area right around the navel (a 2-inch circle).
	The upper area of the buttock, just behind the hip bone.
	The front of the thigh, midway to the outer side, 4 inches below the top of the thigh to 4 inches above the knee.  (these areas can vary with the size of the person).

Injection Site Rotation  Changing the places on the body where a person injects insulin.  Changing the injection site keeps lumps or small dents from forming in the skin.  These lumps or dents are called lipodystrophies.  However, people should try to use the same body area for injections that are given at the same time each day--for example, always using the stomach for the morning injection or an arm for the evening injection.  Using the same body area for these routine injections lessens the possibility of changes in the timing and action of insulin.

Insulin  A hormone that helps th body use glucose (sugar) for energy.  The beta cells of the pancreas (in areas called the islets of Langerhans) make the insulin.  When the body cannot make enough insulin on its own, a person with diabetes must inject insulin made from other sources, i.e., beef, pork, human insulin (recombinant DNA origin), or human insulin (pork-derived, semisynthetic).

Insulin Allergy  When a person's body has an allergic or bad reaction to taking insulin made from pork or beef or from bacteria, or because the insulin is not exactly the same as human insulin or because it has impurities.

The allergy can be one of two forms.  Sometimes an area of skin becomes red and itchy around the place where the insulin is injected.  This is called a local allergy.

In another form, a person's whole body can have a bad reaction.  This is called a systemic allergy.  The person can have hives or red patches all over the body or may feel changes in the heart rate and in the rate of breathing.  A doctor may treat this allergy by prescribing purified insulins or by desensitization.  See also:  Desensitization.

Insulin Antagonist  Something that opposes or fights the action of insulin.  Insulin lowers the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood, whereas glucagon raises it; therefore, glucagon is an antagonist of insulin.

Insulin Binding  When insulin attaches itself to something else.  This can occur in two ways.  First, when a cell needs energy, insulin can bind with the outer part of the cell.  The cell then can bring glucose (sugar) inside and use it for energy.  With the help of insulin, the cell can do its work very well and very quickly.  But sometimes the body acts against itself.  In this second case, the insulin binds with the proteins that are supposed to protect the body from outside substances (antibodies).  If the insulin is an injected form of insulin and not made by the body, the body sees the insulin as an outside or "foreign" substance.  When the injected insulin binds with the antibodies, it does not work as well as when it binds directly to the cell.

Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus