Diabetes Dictionary / Glossary
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A1C A test that sums up how much glucose has been sticking to part of the hemoglobin during the past 3-4 months. Hemoglobin is a substance in the red blood cells that supplies oxygen to the cells of the body. |
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Blood Glucose (Blood Sugar) The main sugar that the body makes from the food we eat. Glucose is carried through the bloodstream to provide energy to all of the body’s living cells. The cells cannot use glucose without the help of insulin. |
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Blood Glucose Level The amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood. |
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Blood Glucose Meter A small medical device used to check blood glucose levels. |
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Carbohydrate (or carbs) One of three main groups of foods in the diet that provide calories and energy. (Protein and fat are the others.) Carbohydrates are mainly sugars (simple carbohydrates) and starches (complex carbohydrates, found in bread, pasta, beans) that the body breaks down into glucose. |
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Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) 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. |
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Diabetes Mellitus (short name: Diabetes) A group of metabolic diseases in which a person has high blood sugar, either because the body does not produce enough insulin, or because cells do not respond to the insulin that is produced. |
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Diabetes Pills Pills or capsules that are taken by mouth to help lower the blood glucose level. These pills may work for people whose bodies are still making insulin. |
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Diabetic Neuropathy Damage to nerves in the body that occurs due to high blood sugar levels from diabetes. |
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Endocrinologist A doctor who specializes in diseases affecting the endocrine glands including the pancreas, which produces insulin. |
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Gestational Diabetes When pregnant women, who have never had diabetes before, have a high blood glucose level during pregnancy. It may precede development of type 2 diabetes. |
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Glycemic Index (GI) A measure of the effects of carbohydrates on blood sugar levels. Carbohydrates that break down quickly during digestion and release glucose rapidly into the bloodstream have a high GI; carbohydrates that break down more slowly, releasing glucose more gradually into the bloodstream, have a low GI. |
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Glycemic Load (GL) A ranking system for carbohydrate content in food portions based on their glycemic index (GI) and a standardized portion size of 100g. Glycemic load or GL combines both the quality and quantity of carbohydrate in one number. |
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High Blood Glucose A condition that occurs in people with diabetes when their blood glucose levels are too high. Symptoms include having to urinate often, being very thirsty, and losing weight. |
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Hyperglycemia A high level of glucose in the blood. High blood glucose can be due to a mismatch in insulin, food, exercise or illness. |
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Hypoglycemia A low level of glucose in the blood. Low blood glucose is most likely to occur during or after exercise, if too much insulin is present, or not enough food is consumed. |
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Insulin A hormone that helps the body use blood glucose for energy. The beta cells of the pancreas make insulin. When people with diabetes can not make enough insulin, they may have to inject it from another source. |
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Insulin Injections The process of putting insulin into the body with a needle and a syringe or with an insulin pen. |
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Insulin Pump A computerized device that is programmed to deliver small, steady doses of insulin throughout the day. Additional doses are given when needed to cover food intake and to lower high blood glucose levels. The insulin is delivered through a system of plastic tubing (infusion set). |
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Insulin Resistance A condition in which the body does not respond normally to the action of insulin. Many people with type 2 diabetes have insulin resistance. |
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Ketones Chemicals made by the body when there is not enough insulin in the blood and the body must break down fat for energy. Ketones are usually associated with high blood glucose. |
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Lancet A small needle, inserted in a spring-loaded device, used to prick the skin and obtain a drop of blood for checking blood glucose levels. |
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Low Blood Glucose A condition that occurs in people with diabetes when their blood glucose levels are too low. Symptoms include feeling anxious or confused, feeling numb in the arms and hands, and shaking or feeling dizzy. |
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Pancreas The organ behind the lower part of the stomach that makes insulin. |
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Test Strips Specially designed strips used in blood glucose meters to check blood glucose levels or in urine testing for ketones. |
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Type 1 Diabetes A condition in which the pancreas makes so little insulin that the body can’t use blood glucose as energy. People with type 1 diabetes need to take insulin every day. |
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Type 2 Diabetes A condition in which the body either makes too little insulin or can’t use the insulin it makes to use blood glucose as energy. All people with diabetes need to eat healthy foods stay at a healthy weight and be active everyday. People with type 2 often need to diabetes have to take diabetes pills or insulin. Type 2 diabetes is the most common from of diabetes. |
