Definitions
ADRENALIN
is a hormone released by the body in reaction to stress. It prepares the body for "flight or
fight." Adrenalin has widespread effects on circulation and74 muscles, and causes an
increase in blood glucose levels.
ADULT-ONSET DIABETES is the former term for non-insulin dependent, or Type 2 diabetes.
This term is no longer in use because, although this condition usually occurs after 40 years
of age, it may develop much earlier.
ALPHA CELLS
are found in the Islets of Langerhans within your pancreas. They are responsible for
producing glucagon, a hormone which causes an increase in the blood sugar level.
AMPUTATION
is the surgical removal of a limb or part of a limb. People with diabetes are at increased risk
for gangrene due to nerve damage in the legs and feet, which is often treated through
amputation.
ANTIOXIDANTS
are chemicals that are added to foods containing fat to prevent oxygen from combining
with the fatty molecules. Oxidation would cause the fatty food to become rancid.
ANTIBODIES
are proteins that the body produces to fight off foreign substances such as bacteria,
viruses and transplanted organs. Rarely, the body may make antibodies against insulin.
These antibodies can prevent the insulin from working properly.
ARTERIOSCLEROSIS
is the hardening and narrowing of the arteries that occurs as people age. (see Vascular
Disease)
AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE
is a disorder in which a person's own antibodies destroy body tissues, such as the beta
cells in the pancreas.
BEEF-PORK INSULIN
is derived from the pancreas of cows and pigs. It is now used less often than Human Insulin
in the treatment of diabetes.
BETA CELLS are found in the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. Their function is to
produce insulin.
BLOOD GLUCOSE METER
is a hand-held machine designed to test blood glucose levels. A drop of blood from your
finger is placed on a small strip of material, which is then inserted into the meter for
analysis. The meter calculates and displays the blood glucose level.
BLOOD PRESSURE
refers to the pressure exerted by blood flow on artery walls. A 120/80 reading is
considered normal. High blood pressure can cause health problems such as heart attacks
and strokes.
BODY MASS INDEX (BMI)
is a unit of measurement to describe weight in relation to height for people 20 to 65 years
of age. It indicates whether a person's size is in the low, moderate or high zone for
developing health problems. Values between 20 and 25 are associated with the lowest risk
of illness. Values between 25 and 27 are considered to be in a "caution zone" and may be
associated with health problems. Values below 20 or over 27 indicate that a person is at
higher risk of illness.
BUNION
is a bulge on the first joint of the big toe caused by swelling under the skin. Bunions can
lead to serious foot infections if not treated properly.
CALLOUS
is a common, usually painless, thickening of the skin on the feet or hands, at points of
external pressure or friction.
CALORIE
is a measurement of the energy provided by food. The sources of calories in a diet are
carbohydrate, protein, alcohol and fat. Calories that are not consumed as energy are
stored as fat.
CAPILLARY
is the smallest blood vessel. Capillary walls are so thin that oxygen and glucose can pass
through them and enter the cells. Waste products, such as carbon dioxide, pass back into
the bloodstream via the capillaries to be carried away and expelled from the body. In
people with long-standing diabetes, the capillaries, especially in the kidneys and the
retina of the eye, can become weak.
CARBOHYDRATE
one of three major sources of calories in the diet. It comes primarily from sugar (found in
refined fruits and vegetables) and starch (found in grains and legumes). Carbohydrate
breaks down into glucose during digestion and raises blood glucose levels.
CATARACTS
are a grey-white film that can cover the lens of the eye, obscuring vision. They tend to
occur in people over 50 years of age, but can occur at a younger age and advance more
rapidly in the presence of diabetes. If left untreated, cataracts can cause blindness.
CHOLESTEROL
is a type of fat which occurs naturally in our bodies and is also found in animal fats. Too
much saturated fat and dietary cholesterol can cause the blood cholesterol to rise and
collect along the inside walls of blood vessels as fatty build-up.
CHRONIC
refers to a condition that is present over long periods of time. Diabetes is a chronic
condition.
COMA
is a state of unconsciousness. It can result from a variety of causes including severe
hypoglycaemia or severe ketoacidosis.
C-PEPTIDE
is a protein released by the pancreas into the bloodstream. The body releases equal
amounts of C-peptide and insulin; therefore a test of C-peptide levels indicates the
amount of insulin being produced by the pancreas.
CREATININE
is a compound present in the muscles and blood that is passed in the urine. A "creatinine
clearance test" measures the amount of creatinine in the blood or urine, and is an
indicator of how well the kidneys are functioning.
DEHYDRATION
is a state in which the body tissues are deprived of water. It can occur when the blood
sugar levels are high for long periods of time. It can also result from inadequate water
intake, or excessive sweating, vomiting or diarrhea. Symptoms of dehydration include
extreme thirst, nausea and exhaustion.
DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
is a disease in which the small blood vessels (capillaries) in the back of the eye (retina) are
damaged. If untreated, it can lead to blindness.
DIABETES is a condition in which the body either cannot produce insulin or cannot
effectively use the insulin it produces.
DIABETES CONTROL AND COMPLICATIONS TRIAL (DDCT)
is a study designed to test whether persistently high blood sugar levels are related to the
development of complications in people with insulin-dependent diabetes. The results
demonstrated that intensive treatment of individuals with insulin-dependent diabetes
delays the onset and progression of long-term complications in people without
complications or in the early stages of complications.
DIALYSIS
is a method of removing waste products, such as urea, from the blood when the kidneys
no longer function adequately.
DIETITIAN
is an expert in nutrition who helps people plan the kinds and amounts of foods to eat for
special health needs.
ENDOCRINOLOGIST
is a medical doctor who specializes in treating people who have problems related to their
endocrine glands, such as the pancreas.
EDEMA
is the swelling or puffiness caused by water collecting in the tissues. It often occurs in the
ankles.
EPIDEMIOLOGY
is the study of disease patterns. Epidemiologists examine who contracts diseases, how
they spread, methods of control and cultural determinants.
FAMILIAL OCCURRENCE
refers to the pattern of a disease within a family. Family and twin studies have shown that
Type 2 diabetes is far more likely to run in families than Type 1 diabetes.
FAT
is the most concentrated source of calories in a diet. Saturated fats are found primarily in
animal products and unsaturated fats come from plants. Excess intake of fat, especially
saturated fat, can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
FIBER
is the part of plants that the body cannot digest, such as fruit and vegetable skins. Fiber
aids in the functioning of the digestive system.
GANGRENE
is the death of body tissues due to poor blood supply.
GESTATIONAL DIABETES
develops during pregnancy. It occurs when the mother's blood glucose level rises due to
hormone secretions and she cannot produce enough insulin to handle the higher blood
glucose levels. Although gestational diabetes usually does not last after pregnancy, women
who have had gestational diabetes are at a high risk to eventually develop Type 2 diabetes.
GLUCAGON
is a hormone produced by the pancreas that raises blood glucose levels. A severe insulin
reaction can be treated with an injection of glucagon.
GLUCAGON HYDROCHLORIDE
is an injectional substance used to treat a hypoglycaemic coma. It is often administered by
a family member or friend in an emergency.
GLUCOSE
is a simple form of sugar that acts as fuel for the body. It is produced during digestion of
carbohydrate and carried to the cells in the blood.
GLYCOGEN
is the main carbohydrate storage material, which is stored in the liver and muscles for use
when energy is required.
GLYCOSYLATED HEMOGLOBIN (HbA1c)
is a measure of how well you are controlling your diabetes. Blood glucose binds to
hemoglobin through a process called glycosylation. The higher the blood sugar the more
glucose binds to the hemoglobin. A blood test can measure the amount of glycosylation
that has occurred revealing the average blood glucose levels for the previous three to four
months before the test.
HONEYMOON PERIOD,
also know as the remission stage, is a period of time after the diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes
when the dose of insulin may need to be reduced due to remaining or recovered insulin
secretion from the pancreas. This period can last weeks, months or years.
HORMONES
are the chemical substances, such as insulin, released by a gland into the bloodstream.
They are responsible for controlling such functions as metabolism, growth, sex
development and blood sugar levels.
HUMAN INSULIN
is a synthetic product that can eliminate the allergic reactions that occur with the use of
animal insulins in some people with Type 1 diabetes
HYPERGLYCAEMIA (also HYPERGLYCEMIA)
is a condition caused by greater than normal levels of glucose in the blood.
HYPERLIPOPROTEINEMIA
is the presence in the blood of abnormally high levels of lipoproteins. Lipoproteins are
proteins, found in the blood and lymph systems, that combine with fats and other lipids,
such as cholesterol, to allow for the transport of the lipids through the body.
HYPERTENSION
is the medical term for high blood pressure.
HYPOGLYCAEMIA (also HYPOGLYCEMIA)
is a condition in which blood glucose levels drop too low (below 3.5 mmol/L). Typical
symptoms include sweating, trembling, hunger, dizziness, moodiness, confusion and
numbness in the arms and hands.
IMPOTENCE
is a form of sexual dysfunction in which a man is unable to obtain an erection. Some men
with long-term diabetes may experience impotence due to nerve damage. Impotence is
also caused by factors that are not related to diabetes.
INSULIN
is a hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas. It helps to regulate the amount
of glucose in the blood. If the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, a person develops
Type 1 diabetes and must administer insulin through injections. If the pancreas does not
produce enough insulin, or the body cannot metabolize the insulin that is produced, a
person develops Type 2 diabetes and may require oral medication or insulin injections.
INSULIN LIPODYSTROPHY
is the loss of fatty tissue that can occur around insulin injection sites.
INSULIN PUMP
is a portable, battery-operated device that delivers a specific amount of insulin through
the abdominal wall. It can be programmed to deliver different doses at different times of
the day, according to the body's needs.
INSULIN RECEPTORS
are areas on the outer walls of a cell that permit insulin to bind to the cell. When cells and
insulin bind together, the cell is able to take glucose from the bloodstream and use it for
energy.
INSULIN SHOCK
is the effect caused by an overdose of insulin, a decreased amount of food or increased
exercise. Symptoms include sweating, trembling, hunger, dizziness, moodiness, confusion
and numbness in the arms and hands. This condition is also referred to as an insulin
reaction or hypoglycaemia.
ISCHEMIA
is an inadequate supply of blood to body tissues or organs. It can occur if blood vessels are
narrowed or constricted.
ISLET OF LANGERHANS
are clusters of cells in the pancreas that produce insulin and glucagon.
JUVENILE-ONSET DIABETES
is the former term for insulin-dependent, or Type 1 diabetes.
KETONES
are chemicals produced by the liver when the body cannot use glucose and must break
down fat for energy. Ketones can poison and even kill body cells. When ketones build up,
the body gets rid of them in the urine. Ketones that accumulate in the body over long
periods of time can lead to serious illness and coma.
KETOACIDOSIS
is a severe condition caused by lack of insulin or an elevation in stress hormones. It is
marked by high blood glucose levels and ketones in the urine.
LASER TREATMENTS
use a special strong beam of light to heal a damaged area, such as the retina in diabetic
retinopathy.
mg/dL is the abbreviated form of milligrams per decilitre, a term used to describe how
much glucose is present in a specific amount of blood. A reading of 70 to 110 mg/dL is
considered to be within the normal range. This gulcose measurement is used in the United
States. To convert from mg/dl to the Canadian unit of mmol/L divide by 18.
mmol/L is the abbreviated form of millimoles per litre, a term used to describe how much
glucose is present in a specific amount of blood. A reading of 4 to 6.5 mmol/L is considered
to be within the normal range. This unit of measurement is used in Canada. To convert
mmol/L to mg/dl multiply by 18.
MORBIDITY RATE
is the rate of people who have a specific illness compared to the number of people who do
not.
MORTALITY RATE
is the rate of people who die from a specific illness in relation to the total population.
Mortality rates are usually expressed as the number of deaths per 1,000, 10,000 or 100,000
persons.
NEPHROLOGIST
is a medical doctor who treats people with kidney diseases.
NEPHROPATHY
is any disease of the kidneys caused by damage to the small blood vessels that filter and
clean the blood. Kidney damage is a potential complication of a long-standing disease,
such as diabetes.
NEUROPATHY
is any disease of the peripheral nervous system. Although nerve damage may affect many
parts of the body, people with diabetes often experience pain, numbness or tingling in
their feet and legs. Other manifestations of nerve damage include double vision, diarrhea
paralysis of the bladder and loss of feeling or response in sexual activity.
OBESITY
is an abnormally excessive amount of body fat. Obesity is usually accompanied by other
signs of poor health and is a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes.
OPHTHALMOLOGIST
is a medical doctor who specializes in treatment and care of the eyes.
ORAL AGENTS
are medications, taken by mouth, that lower blood glucose levels. They are often used in
the treatment of Type 2 diabetes.
ORAL GLUCOSE TOLERANCE TEST (OGTT)
is a test of the body's ability to metabolize carbohydrate. It is performed by giving a
standard dose of glucose and measuring the blood and urine for glucose at regular intervals.
PANCREAS
A fish-shaped grayish-pink nodular gland that stretches transversely across the posterior
abdominal wall. It is a compound gland composed of exocrine and endocrine tissue. About
1 million endocrine cellular islets or islands of Langerhans are embedded between the
exocrine units of the pancreas. Beta cells of the islands secrete insulin, which helps
control carbohyrdrate metabolism. Alpha Cells of the islets secrete glucagon that counters
the action of insulin.
PEDIATRICIAN (also PEDIATRIST)
is a medical doctor who specializes in the treatment of children.
PODIATRIST
is a medical doctor who specializes in the care and treatment of the foot.
POST-PRANDIAL
means "after mealtime".
PROTEIN
is one of three major sources of calories in a diet. Found in meats, eggs, milk and some
vegetables and starches, protein provides the body with material for building blood cells,
hormones and body tissue.
SUGAR
is a simple form of carbohydrate that provides calories and raises blood glucose levels.
TYPE 1 DIABETES
(or insulin-dependent diabetes) occurs when the pancreas is unable to produce insulin. It
is caused by the destruction of the beta cells in the pancreas by the body's immune
system. It usually develops in childhood or adolescence but may appear at any age.
TYPE 2 DIABETES
(or non-insulin-dependent diabetes) occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough
insulin to meet the body's needs or the insulin is not metabolized effectively. Type 2
diabetes is usually treated through diet and exercise, although some people must also take
oral medications or insulin.
ULCER
is a crater-like lesion on a body tissue, often on the feet or stomach, that can cause
extreme discomfort or pain.
URINE TESTS
measure substances, such as blood glucose or ketones, present in the urine.
VASCULAR DISEASE
is a disease of the blood vessels and arteries, including decreased blood flow due to fatty
build-up.
ADRENALIN
is a hormone released by the body in reaction to stress. It prepares the body for "flight or
fight." Adrenalin has widespread effects on circulation and74 muscles, and causes an
increase in blood glucose levels.
ADULT-ONSET DIABETES is the former term for non-insulin dependent, or Type 2 diabetes.
This term is no longer in use because, although this condition usually occurs after 40 years
of age, it may develop much earlier.
ALPHA CELLS
are found in the Islets of Langerhans within your pancreas. They are responsible for
producing glucagon, a hormone which causes an increase in the blood sugar level.
AMPUTATION
is the surgical removal of a limb or part of a limb. People with diabetes are at increased risk
for gangrene due to nerve damage in the legs and feet, which is often treated through
amputation.
ANTIOXIDANTS
are chemicals that are added to foods containing fat to prevent oxygen from combining
with the fatty molecules. Oxidation would cause the fatty food to become rancid.
ANTIBODIES
are proteins that the body produces to fight off foreign substances such as bacteria,
viruses and transplanted organs. Rarely, the body may make antibodies against insulin.
These antibodies can prevent the insulin from working properly.
ARTERIOSCLEROSIS
is the hardening and narrowing of the arteries that occurs as people age. (see Vascular
Disease)
AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE
is a disorder in which a person's own antibodies destroy body tissues, such as the beta
cells in the pancreas.
BEEF-PORK INSULIN
is derived from the pancreas of cows and pigs. It is now used less often than Human Insulin
in the treatment of diabetes.
BETA CELLS are found in the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. Their function is to
produce insulin.
BLOOD GLUCOSE METER
is a hand-held machine designed to test blood glucose levels. A drop of blood from your
finger is placed on a small strip of material, which is then inserted into the meter for
analysis. The meter calculates and displays the blood glucose level.
BLOOD PRESSURE
refers to the pressure exerted by blood flow on artery walls. A 120/80 reading is
considered normal. High blood pressure can cause health problems such as heart attacks
and strokes.
BODY MASS INDEX (BMI)
is a unit of measurement to describe weight in relation to height for people 20 to 65 years
of age. It indicates whether a person's size is in the low, moderate or high zone for
developing health problems. Values between 20 and 25 are associated with the lowest risk
of illness. Values between 25 and 27 are considered to be in a "caution zone" and may be
associated with health problems. Values below 20 or over 27 indicate that a person is at
higher risk of illness.
BUNION
is a bulge on the first joint of the big toe caused by swelling under the skin. Bunions can
lead to serious foot infections if not treated properly.
CALLOUS
is a common, usually painless, thickening of the skin on the feet or hands, at points of
external pressure or friction.
CALORIE
is a measurement of the energy provided by food. The sources of calories in a diet are
carbohydrate, protein, alcohol and fat. Calories that are not consumed as energy are
stored as fat.
CAPILLARY
is the smallest blood vessel. Capillary walls are so thin that oxygen and glucose can pass
through them and enter the cells. Waste products, such as carbon dioxide, pass back into
the bloodstream via the capillaries to be carried away and expelled from the body. In
people with long-standing diabetes, the capillaries, especially in the kidneys and the
retina of the eye, can become weak.
CARBOHYDRATE
one of three major sources of calories in the diet. It comes primarily from sugar (found in
refined fruits and vegetables) and starch (found in grains and legumes). Carbohydrate
breaks down into glucose during digestion and raises blood glucose levels.
CATARACTS
are a grey-white film that can cover the lens of the eye, obscuring vision. They tend to
occur in people over 50 years of age, but can occur at a younger age and advance more
rapidly in the presence of diabetes. If left untreated, cataracts can cause blindness.
CHOLESTEROL
is a type of fat which occurs naturally in our bodies and is also found in animal fats. Too
much saturated fat and dietary cholesterol can cause the blood cholesterol to rise and
collect along the inside walls of blood vessels as fatty build-up.
CHRONIC
refers to a condition that is present over long periods of time. Diabetes is a chronic
condition.
COMA
is a state of unconsciousness. It can result from a variety of causes including severe
hypoglycaemia or severe ketoacidosis.
C-PEPTIDE
is a protein released by the pancreas into the bloodstream. The body releases equal
amounts of C-peptide and insulin; therefore a test of C-peptide levels indicates the
amount of insulin being produced by the pancreas.
CREATININE
is a compound present in the muscles and blood that is passed in the urine. A "creatinine
clearance test" measures the amount of creatinine in the blood or urine, and is an
indicator of how well the kidneys are functioning.
DEHYDRATION
is a state in which the body tissues are deprived of water. It can occur when the blood
sugar levels are high for long periods of time. It can also result from inadequate water
intake, or excessive sweating, vomiting or diarrhea. Symptoms of dehydration include
extreme thirst, nausea and exhaustion.
DIABETIC RETINOPATHY
is a disease in which the small blood vessels (capillaries) in the back of the eye (retina) are
damaged. If untreated, it can lead to blindness.
DIABETES is a condition in which the body either cannot produce insulin or cannot
effectively use the insulin it produces.
DIABETES CONTROL AND COMPLICATIONS TRIAL (DDCT)
is a study designed to test whether persistently high blood sugar levels are related to the
development of complications in people with insulin-dependent diabetes. The results
demonstrated that intensive treatment of individuals with insulin-dependent diabetes
delays the onset and progression of long-term complications in people without
complications or in the early stages of complications.
DIALYSIS
is a method of removing waste products, such as urea, from the blood when the kidneys
no longer function adequately.
DIETITIAN
is an expert in nutrition who helps people plan the kinds and amounts of foods to eat for
special health needs.
ENDOCRINOLOGIST
is a medical doctor who specializes in treating people who have problems related to their
endocrine glands, such as the pancreas.
EDEMA
is the swelling or puffiness caused by water collecting in the tissues. It often occurs in the
ankles.
EPIDEMIOLOGY
is the study of disease patterns. Epidemiologists examine who contracts diseases, how
they spread, methods of control and cultural determinants.
FAMILIAL OCCURRENCE
refers to the pattern of a disease within a family. Family and twin studies have shown that
Type 2 diabetes is far more likely to run in families than Type 1 diabetes.
FAT
is the most concentrated source of calories in a diet. Saturated fats are found primarily in
animal products and unsaturated fats come from plants. Excess intake of fat, especially
saturated fat, can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.
FIBER
is the part of plants that the body cannot digest, such as fruit and vegetable skins. Fiber
aids in the functioning of the digestive system.
GANGRENE
is the death of body tissues due to poor blood supply.
GESTATIONAL DIABETES
develops during pregnancy. It occurs when the mother's blood glucose level rises due to
hormone secretions and she cannot produce enough insulin to handle the higher blood
glucose levels. Although gestational diabetes usually does not last after pregnancy, women
who have had gestational diabetes are at a high risk to eventually develop Type 2 diabetes.
GLUCAGON
is a hormone produced by the pancreas that raises blood glucose levels. A severe insulin
reaction can be treated with an injection of glucagon.
GLUCAGON HYDROCHLORIDE
is an injectional substance used to treat a hypoglycaemic coma. It is often administered by
a family member or friend in an emergency.
GLUCOSE
is a simple form of sugar that acts as fuel for the body. It is produced during digestion of
carbohydrate and carried to the cells in the blood.
GLYCOGEN
is the main carbohydrate storage material, which is stored in the liver and muscles for use
when energy is required.
GLYCOSYLATED HEMOGLOBIN (HbA1c)
is a measure of how well you are controlling your diabetes. Blood glucose binds to
hemoglobin through a process called glycosylation. The higher the blood sugar the more
glucose binds to the hemoglobin. A blood test can measure the amount of glycosylation
that has occurred revealing the average blood glucose levels for the previous three to four
months before the test.
HONEYMOON PERIOD,
also know as the remission stage, is a period of time after the diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes
when the dose of insulin may need to be reduced due to remaining or recovered insulin
secretion from the pancreas. This period can last weeks, months or years.
HORMONES
are the chemical substances, such as insulin, released by a gland into the bloodstream.
They are responsible for controlling such functions as metabolism, growth, sex
development and blood sugar levels.
HUMAN INSULIN
is a synthetic product that can eliminate the allergic reactions that occur with the use of
animal insulins in some people with Type 1 diabetes
HYPERGLYCAEMIA (also HYPERGLYCEMIA)
is a condition caused by greater than normal levels of glucose in the blood.
HYPERLIPOPROTEINEMIA
is the presence in the blood of abnormally high levels of lipoproteins. Lipoproteins are
proteins, found in the blood and lymph systems, that combine with fats and other lipids,
such as cholesterol, to allow for the transport of the lipids through the body.
HYPERTENSION
is the medical term for high blood pressure.
HYPOGLYCAEMIA (also HYPOGLYCEMIA)
is a condition in which blood glucose levels drop too low (below 3.5 mmol/L). Typical
symptoms include sweating, trembling, hunger, dizziness, moodiness, confusion and
numbness in the arms and hands.
IMPOTENCE
is a form of sexual dysfunction in which a man is unable to obtain an erection. Some men
with long-term diabetes may experience impotence due to nerve damage. Impotence is
also caused by factors that are not related to diabetes.
INSULIN
is a hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas. It helps to regulate the amount
of glucose in the blood. If the pancreas is unable to produce insulin, a person develops
Type 1 diabetes and must administer insulin through injections. If the pancreas does not
produce enough insulin, or the body cannot metabolize the insulin that is produced, a
person develops Type 2 diabetes and may require oral medication or insulin injections.
INSULIN LIPODYSTROPHY
is the loss of fatty tissue that can occur around insulin injection sites.
INSULIN PUMP
is a portable, battery-operated device that delivers a specific amount of insulin through
the abdominal wall. It can be programmed to deliver different doses at different times of
the day, according to the body's needs.
INSULIN RECEPTORS
are areas on the outer walls of a cell that permit insulin to bind to the cell. When cells and
insulin bind together, the cell is able to take glucose from the bloodstream and use it for
energy.
INSULIN SHOCK
is the effect caused by an overdose of insulin, a decreased amount of food or increased
exercise. Symptoms include sweating, trembling, hunger, dizziness, moodiness, confusion
and numbness in the arms and hands. This condition is also referred to as an insulin
reaction or hypoglycaemia.
ISCHEMIA
is an inadequate supply of blood to body tissues or organs. It can occur if blood vessels are
narrowed or constricted.
ISLET OF LANGERHANS
are clusters of cells in the pancreas that produce insulin and glucagon.
JUVENILE-ONSET DIABETES
is the former term for insulin-dependent, or Type 1 diabetes.
KETONES
are chemicals produced by the liver when the body cannot use glucose and must break
down fat for energy. Ketones can poison and even kill body cells. When ketones build up,
the body gets rid of them in the urine. Ketones that accumulate in the body over long
periods of time can lead to serious illness and coma.
KETOACIDOSIS
is a severe condition caused by lack of insulin or an elevation in stress hormones. It is
marked by high blood glucose levels and ketones in the urine.
LASER TREATMENTS
use a special strong beam of light to heal a damaged area, such as the retina in diabetic
retinopathy.
mg/dL is the abbreviated form of milligrams per decilitre, a term used to describe how
much glucose is present in a specific amount of blood. A reading of 70 to 110 mg/dL is
considered to be within the normal range. This gulcose measurement is used in the United
States. To convert from mg/dl to the Canadian unit of mmol/L divide by 18.
mmol/L is the abbreviated form of millimoles per litre, a term used to describe how much
glucose is present in a specific amount of blood. A reading of 4 to 6.5 mmol/L is considered
to be within the normal range. This unit of measurement is used in Canada. To convert
mmol/L to mg/dl multiply by 18.
MORBIDITY RATE
is the rate of people who have a specific illness compared to the number of people who do
not.
MORTALITY RATE
is the rate of people who die from a specific illness in relation to the total population.
Mortality rates are usually expressed as the number of deaths per 1,000, 10,000 or 100,000
persons.
NEPHROLOGIST
is a medical doctor who treats people with kidney diseases.
NEPHROPATHY
is any disease of the kidneys caused by damage to the small blood vessels that filter and
clean the blood. Kidney damage is a potential complication of a long-standing disease,
such as diabetes.
NEUROPATHY
is any disease of the peripheral nervous system. Although nerve damage may affect many
parts of the body, people with diabetes often experience pain, numbness or tingling in
their feet and legs. Other manifestations of nerve damage include double vision, diarrhea
paralysis of the bladder and loss of feeling or response in sexual activity.
OBESITY
is an abnormally excessive amount of body fat. Obesity is usually accompanied by other
signs of poor health and is a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes.
OPHTHALMOLOGIST
is a medical doctor who specializes in treatment and care of the eyes.
ORAL AGENTS
are medications, taken by mouth, that lower blood glucose levels. They are often used in
the treatment of Type 2 diabetes.
ORAL GLUCOSE TOLERANCE TEST (OGTT)
is a test of the body's ability to metabolize carbohydrate. It is performed by giving a
standard dose of glucose and measuring the blood and urine for glucose at regular intervals.
PANCREAS
A fish-shaped grayish-pink nodular gland that stretches transversely across the posterior
abdominal wall. It is a compound gland composed of exocrine and endocrine tissue. About
1 million endocrine cellular islets or islands of Langerhans are embedded between the
exocrine units of the pancreas. Beta cells of the islands secrete insulin, which helps
control carbohyrdrate metabolism. Alpha Cells of the islets secrete glucagon that counters
the action of insulin.
PEDIATRICIAN (also PEDIATRIST)
is a medical doctor who specializes in the treatment of children.
PODIATRIST
is a medical doctor who specializes in the care and treatment of the foot.
POST-PRANDIAL
means "after mealtime".
PROTEIN
is one of three major sources of calories in a diet. Found in meats, eggs, milk and some
vegetables and starches, protein provides the body with material for building blood cells,
hormones and body tissue.
SUGAR
is a simple form of carbohydrate that provides calories and raises blood glucose levels.
TYPE 1 DIABETES
(or insulin-dependent diabetes) occurs when the pancreas is unable to produce insulin. It
is caused by the destruction of the beta cells in the pancreas by the body's immune
system. It usually develops in childhood or adolescence but may appear at any age.
TYPE 2 DIABETES
(or non-insulin-dependent diabetes) occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough
insulin to meet the body's needs or the insulin is not metabolized effectively. Type 2
diabetes is usually treated through diet and exercise, although some people must also take
oral medications or insulin.
ULCER
is a crater-like lesion on a body tissue, often on the feet or stomach, that can cause
extreme discomfort or pain.
URINE TESTS
measure substances, such as blood glucose or ketones, present in the urine.
VASCULAR DISEASE
is a disease of the blood vessels and arteries, including decreased blood flow due to fatty
build-up.
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Diabetes Mellitus
