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1A1c Test (Glycosylated hemoglobin) A blood test that measures a person's average blood glucose (sugar) level for the 2- to 3-month period before the test.
1Acute Happens for a limited period of time; abrupt onset; sharp, severe.
1Adrenal Glands Two organs that sit on top of the kidneys and make and release hormones such as adrenaline (epinephrine). This and other hormones, including insulin, control the body's use of glucose (sugar).
6Adrenocorticotropic Hormone Promote and maintains normal growth. Stimulates adrenal cortex to increase secretion of glucocorticoids. Increases blood glucose level.
1Alpha Cell A type of cell in the pancreas (in areas called the islets of Langerhans). Alpha cells make and release a hormone called glucagon, which raises the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood.
1Arteriosclerosis A group of diseases in which the walls of the arteries get thick and hard. In one type of arteriosclerosis, fat builds up inside the walls and slows the blood flow. These diseases often occur in people who have had diabetes for a long time.
1Atherosclerosis One of many diseases in which fat builds up in the large- and medium-sized arteries. This buildup of fat may slow down or stop blood flow. This disease can happen to people who have had diabetes for a long time.
Autoantibodies The immune system makes an antibody against a normal body substance.
1Autoimmune Disease Disorder of the body's immune system in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys body tissue that it believes to be foreign. Insulin-dependent diabetes is an autoimmune disease because the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells.
6Autonomic Self-governing, independent
1Autonomic Neuropathy A disease of the nerves affecting mostly the internal organs such as the bladder muscles, the cardiovascular system, the digestive tract, and the genital organs. These nerves are not under a person's conscious control and function automatically. Also called visceral neuropathy.
1Background Retinopathy Early stage of diabetic retinopathy; usually does not impair vision. Also called "nonproliferative retinopathy."
1Beta 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.
1Blood 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.
1Blood Glucose Meter A machine that helps test how much glucose (sugar) is in the blood. A specially coated strip containing a fresh sample of blood is inserted in a machine, when then calculates the correct level of glucose in the blood sample and shows the result in a digital display. Some meters have a memory that can store results from multiple tests.
1Borderline Diabetes A term no longer used. See: Pre diabetes and Impaired glucose tolerance.
2Candidiasis Fungous infection caused by Candida albicans most commonly affecting the mucous membranes of the mouth, gastrointestinal tract and vagina.
1C.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.
1Cataract Clouding of the lens of the eye. In people with diabetes, this condition is sometimes referred to as "sugar cataract."
1Cerebrovascular Disease Damage to the blood vessels in the brain, resulting in a 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.
1Chronic Present over a long period of time. Diabetes is an example of chronic disease.
Clotrimazole An antifungal agent used to treat candidiasis. Considered to be fungistatic.
1Contraindication A condition that makes a treatment not helpful or even harmful.
1Conventional Therapy A system of diabetes management 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).
1Coronary 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.
1Coxsackie B4 Virus An agent that has been shown to damage the beta cells of the pancreas in lab tests. This virus may be one cause of Type 1 diabetes.
1Creatinine 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.
4Crevicular Fluid A fluid secreted from the connective tissue through the epithelial lining of the sulcus or pocket. Amount increases with inflammation and is considered to be part of the host defense system.
1Dextrose A simple sugar found in the blood. It is the body's main source of energy. Also called glucose.
1Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) A 10-year study (1983-1993) funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases to assess the effects of intensive therapy on the long-term complications of diabetes.
1Diabetes Insipidus A disease of the pituitary gland or kidney, not diabetes mellitus. Diabetes insipidus is often called "water diabetes" to set it apart from "sugar diabetes." The cause and treatment are not the same as for diabetes mellitus.
1Diabetic Coma A severe emergency in which a person is not conscious because the blood glucose (sugar) is too low or too high.
1Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) Severe, out-of-control diabetes (high blood sugar) that needs emergency treatment.
1Diabetic 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.
1Dietitian 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.
Doxycycline an antibiotic, tetracycline's.
1Endocrinologist A doctor who treats people who have problems with their endocrine glands. Diabetes is an endocrine disorder.
1End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) The final phase of kidney disease; treated by dialysis or kidney transplantation.
1Epidemiology 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.
1Epinephrine 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 adrenaline.
2Erosive Lichen Planus Usually appears on the cheek. Single or multiple lesions that look like a superficial ulcer surrounded by white lines.
1Etiology The study of what causes a disease; also the cause or causes of a certain disease.
1Fatty Acids A basic unit of fat. 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.
5Focal and Grand Mal Seizures Commonly experienced by persons with chronic neurologic disorders. Involves part or all of the brain. Focal seizures do not necessarily result in impaired consciousness. Grand Mal seizures the person does experience a lack of consciousness.
1Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) A type of diabetes mellitus that can occur when a woman is pregnant. In the second half of the pregnancy, the woman may have glucose (sugar) in the blood at a higher than normal level. However, when the pregnancy ends, the blood glucose levels return to normal in about 95 percent of all cases.
1Glaucoma An eye disease associated with increased pressure within the eye. Glaucoma can damage the optic nerve and cause impaired vision and blindness.
1Glomerular Filtration Rate Measure of the kidneys' ability to filter and remove waste products.
1Glomeruli Network of tiny blood vessels in the kidneys where the blood is filtered and waste products are removed.
5Glomerular Basement Membrane One of four layers composing glomerular capillaries, the basement membrane is composed of proteins and is negatively charged.
1Glucagon 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.
6Glucocorticoids Hormones that influence food metabolism; secreted by the adrenal cortex. Raise blood glucose level.
6Gluconeogenesis Formation of new glucose from proteins and fats. Chiefly occurs in the liver
1Glucose A simple sugar found in the blood. It is the body's main source of energy; also known as dextrose.
1Glucose 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 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.
1Glycemic Response The effect of different foods on blood glucose (sugar) levels over a period of time.
1Glycogen 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.
1Glycogenesis The process by which glycogen is formed from glucose.
6Glycogenelysis The breakdown of glycogen. In the liver this process results in free glucose that leaves the cell and enters the blood stream raising blood glucose levels.
6Glycolysis Breakdown of glucose into pyruvic acid. Method of providing cells with energy when cellular oxygen levels are low or absent.
1Glycosuria Having glucose (sugar) in the urine.
1Hemoglobin A1C (A1c) 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 2-3 months), a test to measure hemoglobin A1C shows what the person's average blood glucose level was for that period of time.
1Hormone 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.
1Human Insulin Man-made insulins that are similar to insulin produced by your own body. Human insulin has been available since October 1982.
1Hyperglycemia 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.
1Hyperinsulinism 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.
1Hyperlipidemia Too high a level of fats (lipids) in the blood.
1Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar Syndrome A syndrome related to high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood and requiring emergency treatment. The person may or may not have a previous history of diabetes. Ketones (acids) are usually not present in the urine.
1Hypoglycemia 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.
1Hypotension Low blood pressure or a sudden drop in blood pressure
Idiopathic Cause is unknown.
1Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT) Blood glucose (sugar) levels higher than normal but not high enough to be called diabetes. Also called pre diabetes
1Incidence 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.
1Injection Putting liquid into the body with a needle and syringe. A person with diabetes injects insulin by putting the needle into the 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).
1Insulin A hormone that helps the body use glucose (sugar) for energy. The beta cells of the pancreas (in areas called the islets of Langerhans) make the insulin.
1Insulin Reaction Too low a level of glucose (sugar) in the blood; also called hypoglycemia. This occurs when a person with diabetes has injected too much insulin, eaten too little food, or exercised without extra food.
1Insulin Receptors Areas on the outer part of a cell that allow the cell to join or bind with insulin that is in the blood. When the cell and insulin bind together, the cell can take glucose (sugar) from the blood and use it for energy.
1Insulin Resistance Many people with Type 2 produce enough insulin, but their bodies do not respond to the action of insulin. This may happen because the person is overweight and has too many fat cells, as people age, their body cells lose some of the ability to respond to insulin. Insulin resistance is also linked to high blood pressure and high levels of fat in the blood.
1Insulin Shock A severe condition that occurs when the level of blood glucose (sugar) drops quickly.
1Intensive Management A form of treatment for insulin-dependent diabetes in which the main objective is to keep blood glucose (sugar) levels as close to the normal range as possible.
1Islets of Langerhans Special groups of cells in the pancreas. They make and secrete hormones that help the body break down and use food. Named after Paul Langerhans, the German scientist who discovered them.
1Ketone Bodies Chemicals that the body makes when there is not enough insulin in the blood and it must break down fat for its energy.
1Ketonuria Having ketone bodies in the urine; a warning sign of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
1Ketosis A condition of having ketone bodies build up in body tissues and fluids. The signs of ketosis are nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Ketosis can lead to ketoacidosis.
1Kussmaul Breathing The rapid, deep, and labored breathing of people who have ketoacidosis or who are in a diabetic coma. Kussmaul breathing is named for Adolph Kussmaul, the 19th century German doctor who first noted it. Also called "air hunger."
1Lancet A fine, sharp-pointed blade or needle for pricking the skin.
1Macrosomia Abnormally large; in diabetes, refers to abnormally large babies that may be born to women with diabetes.
1Macrovascular Disease A disease of the large blood vessels that sometimes occurs when a person has had diabetes for a long time.
1Macular Edema A swelling (edema) in the macula, an area near the center of the retina of the eye that is responsible for fine or reading vision.
1Metformin A drug currently being tested as a treatment for noninsulin-dependent diabetes; belongs to a class of drugs called biguanides.
1Mg/dL Milligrams per deciliter. Term used to describe how much glucose (sugar) is in a specific amount of blood.
1Microvascular Disease Disease of the smallest blood vessels that may occur when a person has had diabetes for a long time.
1Mixed Dose Combining two kinds of insulin in one injection. A mixed dose commonly combines regular insulin, which is fast acting, with longer acting insulin such as NPH.
1Morbidity Rate The sickness rate; the number of people who are sick or have a disease compared with the number who are well.
1Mortality Rate The death rate; the number of people who die of a certain disease compared with the total number of people.
1National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) One of the 17 institutes that make up the National Institutes of Health, an agency of the Public Health Service.
1Nephrologist A doctor who sees and treats people with kidney diseases.
1Nephropathy Disease of the kidneys caused by damage to the small blood vessels or to the units in the kidneys that clean the blood.
1Neurologist A doctor who sees and treats people with problems of the nervous system.
1Neuropathy Disease of the nervous system.
1Nonketotic Coma A type of coma caused by a lack of insulin.
1NPH Insulin A type of insulin that is intermediate-acting.
Nystatin an antifungal drug.
1Obesity When people have 20 percent (or more) extra body fat for their age, height, sex, and bone structure.
1Oral Hypoglycemic Agents Pills or capsules that people take to lower the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood.
1Pancreas An organ behind the lower part of the stomach that is about the size of a hand. It makes insulin and enzymes that help the body digest food.
1Peak Action The time period when the effect of something is as strong as it can be such as when insulin in having the most effect on lowering the glucose (sugar) in the blood.
4Periodontal Disease Chronic inflammatory condition characterized by loss of connective tissue, alveolar bone and the formation of pockets around diseased teeth.
1Peripheral Neuropathy Nerve damage, usually affecting the feet and legs; causing pain, numbness, or a tingling feeling. Also called "somatic neuropathy" or "distal sensory polyneuropathy."
1Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) Disease in the large blood vessels of the arms, legs, and feet.
7Pima Indians of Arizona Pronounced "pee'-muh." Reside with the Maricopa Indians on reservations near Phoenix, Arizona. (joint population ~16,1980). Linguistically related to the Papago Indians. Pima have the highest prevalence of Type 2 diabetes in the world.
1Pituitary Gland An endocrine gland in the small, bony cavity at the base of the brain.
5Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) Also known as neutrophils. First white blood cells to appear after an injury. PMNs ingest and destroy agents, which cause disease.
1Polydipsia A great thirst that lasts for long periods of time; a sign of diabetes.
1Polyphagia Great hunger; a sign of diabetes. People with this great hunger often lose weight.
1Polyuria Having to urinate often; a common sign of diabetes.
1Postprandial Blood Glucose Blood taken 1-2 hours after eating to see the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood.
1Prevalence The number of people in a given group or population who are reported to have a disease.
1Proliferative Retinopathy A disease of the small blood vessels of the retina of the eye.
1Receptors Areas on the outer part of a cell that allow the cell to join or bind with insulin that is in the blood.
1Regular Insulin A type of insulin that is fast acting.
1Renal A term that means having something to do with the kidneys.
1Retina The center part of the back lining of the eye that senses light. It has many small blood vessels that are sometimes harmed when a person has had diabetes for a long time.
1Retinopathy A disease of the small blood vessels in the retina of the eye.
1Risk Factor Anything that raises the chance that a person will get a disease.
1Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose A way as person can test how much glucose (sugar) is in the blood. Also called home blood glucose monitoring.
9Sialorrhea excessive drooling.
9Sialosis painless enlargement of the parotid gland.
1Split Dose Division of a prescribed daily dose of insulin into two or more injections given over the course of a day.
1Sulfonylureas Pills or capsules that people take to lower the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. See Oral hypoglycemic agents.
1Symptom A sign of disease.
1Syndrome A set of signs or a series of events occurring together that makes up a disease or health problem.
1Syringe A device used to inject medications or other liquids into body tissues
1Systemic A word used to describe conditions that affect the entire body
Tetracycline a broad-spectrum antibiotic.
1Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus A chronic condition in which the pancreas makes no insulin because the beta cells have been destroyed. The body is then not able to use the glucose (blood sugar) for energy. Previous names for this condition include: "Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus," "juvenile diabetes," "juvenile-onset diabetes," and "ketosis-prone diabetes, and "type I diabetes mellitus."
1Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus People with Type 2 diabetes produce some insulin, sometimes even large amounts. However, either their bodies do not produce enough insulin or their body cells are resistant to the action of insulin. Previously used names for this condition include: "Noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, "adult-onset diabetes," "maturity-onset diabetes," "ketosis-resistant diabetes," and "stable diabetes," and "type II diabetes mellitus."
Uncontrolled Diabetic Uncontrolled diabetes is a non-specific diagnosis, which indicates that the patient's blood sugar level is not kept within acceptable levels by his or her current treatment routine. In this report, this indicator only includes hospitalizations of patients whose principal diagnosis did not include a specified short-term complication of diabetes. It is unclear whether poor blood sugar control arises from poor quality medical care, non-compliance of patients, lack of education, or access to care problems.
1Unit of Insulin The basic measure of insulin.
1Urine Testing Checking urine to see if it contains glucose (sugar) and ketones
1Vitrectomy Removing the gel from the center of the eyeball because it has blood and scar tissue in it that blocks sight. An eye surgeon replaces the clouded gel with a clear fluid.
1Vitreous Humor The clear jelly (gel) that fills the center of the eye.
2Xerostomia Dry mouth
References for Glossary
- Anthony, C.P., Thibodeau, G.A. & Prezbindowski, K.S. (1979). Textbook of Anatomy and Physiology. St. Louis, MO: C.V. Mosby Company.
- Bhaskar, S.N. (1981). Synopsis of Oral Pathology (6th ed.). St. Louis, MO: C.V. Mosby Company.
- Grolier's Interactive Encyclopedia. from http://www.grolier.com
- Löe, H. (1993). Periodontal disease; The sixth complication of diabetes mellitus. Diabetes Care, 16 (1), 332-334.
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disease of the National Institutes of Health. (1994). Diabetes dictionary. Retrieved July 22, 1997, from http://www.nih.gov
- Siegel, J. (1994). Diabetes mellitus. In L.C. Copestead (Ed.), Perspectives on Pathophysiology. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders Company, 826-845.
- Wilkins, E.M. (1982). The Gingiva. In Clinical Practice of the Dental Hygienist (5th ed.) Philadelphia, PA: Lea & Febiger.
- http://www.pharminfo.com/drugdg/db_mnu.html
- http://www.radiology.creighton.edu/Board%20review%20Notes%20Folder/
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