About Diabetes
Dictionary of Terms
autonomic neuropathy: Nerve damage that affects the automatic systems of the body, such as the heart, digestive tract, bladder, and more. Sometimes there are no symptoms, or symptoms appear to suggest other causes1. Also known as diabetic autonomic neuropathy or DAN.
basal rate: The slow rate at which insulin enters the body with the use of an insulin pump. An insulin pump delivers a basal rate of insulin continuously throughout the day, mimicking the activity of the pancreas.
beta cells: The islet cells in the pancreas that secrete insulin.
blood glucose meter: A hand-held device for testing and measuring blood glucose levels. A drop of blood (obtained by pricking a finger) is placed on a test strip that has been inserted into the meter. The meter measures and displays the blood glucose level. Some meters also store multiple test results for further analysis and downloading to a computer. Also known as a blood glucose monitor.
bolus: A dose of insulin delivered by an insulin pump immediately before or after eating to cover the carbohydrates in a meal. Bolus doses are programmed by the person when the amount of food eaten is known.
brittle diabetes: A condition characterized by extreme fluctuations in blood glucose levels within a short period of time; occurs in a small percentage of type 1 patients, especially after the first year; also called labile or unstable diabetes.
calories: Units representing the amount of energy provided by food. Carbohydrate, protein, and fat are the primary sources of calories in the diet, but alcohol also provides calories. If all calories consumed aren't used as energy, they may be stored as fat by the body.
carbohydrates: One of three major sources of calories in the diet. Carbohydrates are chains of sugar molecules hooked together. Smaller chains are known as simple carbohydrates while longer chains are complex carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates occur naturally in fruits, vegetables and milk products. They are also found in processed sugars such as candy, honey, table sugar and syrups. Complex carbohydrates are starches found in breads, cereals, legumes, rice and pastas. Carbohydrate is broken down into glucose during digestion and is the main nutrient that raises blood glucose levels.
cardiovascular disease: Disease of the heart and blood vessels.
cataract: An eye disease that involves clouding of the lens of the eye.
cholesterol: A fatty substance that is important in metabolism. Cholesterol is present in all animal products. Too much LDL (or bad) cholesterol, too little HDL (or good) cholesterol, or high total cholesterol, however, can be a risk factor for heart disease.1
cortisol: A hormone produced by the adrenal glands; increases blood glucose levels.
counter-regulatory (stress) hormones: Hormones released by the body during stressful situations. These hormones include glucagon, epinephrine (adrenaline), nor-epinephrine, cortisol, and growth hormone. They cause the liver to release glucose and the cells to release fatty acids for extra energy. If there is not enough insulin present in the body, these extra fuels can lead to hyperglycaemia and ketoacidosis.
dawn phenomenon: A rise in blood glucose levels between about 4 and 8 a.m.; caused by a decrease in insulin sensitivity, in turn related to a sleep-induced increase in the secretion of growth hormone.
diabetes mellitus: The full name of diabetes, a disease in which the body cannot turn blood glucose into energy because the body doesn't make enough insulin or cannot use the insulin it has. In uncontrolled diabetes, high levels of glucose build up in the blood and large quantities of sugary urine are excreted, potentially causing damage to systems throughout the body.
diabetic retinopathy: Diabetic eye disease in which the retina, the light-sensing tissue of the eye, is damaged.
DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis): A dangerous condition in which ketone levels build up in the blood and “spill” into the urine. Ketoacidosis requires immediate medical attention.1
endocrine glands: A system of glands which secrete hormones into the body. The islets of the pancreas, some of which manufacture and secrete insulin, are part of the endocrine system.
fasting plasma glucose test: A blood glucose test which is diagnostic for diabetes, performed after the patient has had nothing to eat or drink overnight.
gestational diabetes: A condition in which high blood glucose levels develop during pregnancy in women who were not previously diabetic; diagnosed at 24-28 weeks gestation; levels usually return to normal after delivery, but mothers with gestational diabetes may be at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
glaucoma: Increased pressure in the eye that may lead to vision loss due to damage to the retina and optic nerve.
glucagon: A hormone produced by the alpha cells of the pancreas which increases blood glucose levels.
glucagon kit: An emergency kit containing a pre-mixed form of the hormone; used in treating hypoglycaemic episodes (very low blood glucose level) in unconscious diabetic patients.
glucose: A simple sugar created by the breakdown of carbohydrates in food. Glucose is the body's source of quick energy.
glycated haemoglobin/glycosylated haemoglobin: A long-term indicator of blood glucose control, also known as A1c, glycated haemoglobin or glycosylated haemoglobin test. HbA1c is a monitoring test to measure the amount of glucose bound to haemoglobin; this indicates the average blood glucose levels over a two to three month period (when blood glucose levels rise, glucose in the blood attaches to haemoglobin, the red blood cell pigment, and remains for the life of the red blood cell, about 120 days). Diabetes Professional Associations recommend an A1C result of 7% or less to help reduce the risk of long-term complications of diabetes.1
glycaemic index: A 100-point index for ranking types of food by how quickly their carbohydrates are converted to blood glucose. Foods lower on the glycaemic index may make blood glucose climb more slowly and evenly than foods ranked closer to 100.
HbA1c: A long-term indicator of blood glucose control, also known as A1c, glycated haemoglobin or glycosylated haemoglobin test. HbA1c is a monitoring test to measure the amount of glucose bound to haemoglobin; this indicates the average blood glucose levels over a two to three month period (when blood glucose levels rise, glucose in the blood attaches to haemoglobin, the red blood cell pigment, and remains for the life of the red blood cell, about 120 days). Diabetes Professional Associations recommend an A1C result of 7% or less to help reduce the risk of long-term complications of diabetes.1
heart disease: A condition in which the heart cannot efficiently pump blood. Coronary artery disease is a common form of heart disease. It occurs when the arteries that nourish the heart muscle narrow or become blocked. People with diabetes have a higher risk than the general population for developing heart disease.
haemoglobin: The iron-containing pigment of red blood cells which carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues.
hyperglycaemia: High blood glucose levels.
hypertension: High blood pressure. Generally this is considered blood pressure above the upper normal range of about 130/80 mm Hg.
hypoglycaemia: Low blood glucose levels.
insulin: A hormone produced in the beta cells in the pancreas. The body uses insulin to let glucose enter cells, where it is used for energy.
insulin pen: A pre-filled pen-shaped device (with a disposable needle) used to inject insulin.
insulin pump: A device worn by a person with diabetes to deliver insulin under the skin 24 hours a day.
insulin resistance: Resistance of the body cells to take in glucose in the presence of insulin.
islets of Langerhans: Groups of cells in the pancreas. The islets contain beta cells, alpha cells, and delta cells.
ketoacidosis: Also known as DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis). A dangerous condition in which ketones build up in the blood and “spill” into the urine. Ketoacidosis requires immediate medical attention1.
ketones: Waste products produced when fatty acids are broken down for energy.
lancet: A small, sharp device for making a small incision in the skin.
mg/dL: Milligrams per decilitre. A measurement used to describe how much glucose is present in a specific amount of blood. (In Australia mmol/L is used.)
mmol/L: Millimoles per litre. A measurement used to describe how much glucose is present in a specific amount of blood. (This measurement in used in Australia.)
nephropathy: Any inflammation or breakdown disorder of the kidneys.
neuropathy: Nerve damage. Neuropathy can be the cause of problems with the feet and hands, heart, digestive tract, sexual issues, and more.1
oral diabetes medications: Tablets taken by some patients with type 2 diabetes to help lower blood glucose levels. These drugs do not contain insulin, but stimulate insulin production to help the body use insulin better, or work to reduce glucose in the bloodstream.
oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): A diagnostic test for diabetes. A person fasts overnight and several blood samples are drawn the next morning over a two-hour period, after the patient drinks a sugary drink.
pancreas: A large gland behind the stomach which contains groups of cells. The pancreas contains beta cells which secrete insulin; also secretes digestive juices into the small intestine.
paresthesia: A feeling of numbness, prickling, or tingling, sometimes pain.
peripheral neuropathy: Nerve damage that affects the extremities, such as the hands and feet.
polydipsia: Excessive thirst.
polyphagia: Excessive appetite or overeating.
polyuria: Frequent urination.
post-prandial blood glucose: Blood glucose levels one to two hours after a meal.
pre-prandial blood glucose: The blood glucose level before eating.
retinopathy: Eye disease in which the retina, the light-sensing tissue of the eye, is damaged.
SMBG (Self-monitoring blood glucose): Self-monitoring of blood glucose. This refers to patients with diabetes who test their own blood to learn blood glucose level trends and better manage their diabetes.
type 1 diabetes: Formerly known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM). In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas produces no insulin or extremely small amounts. People with type 1 need to take insulin injections in order to live.
type 2 diabetes: Formerly known as mature-onset diabetes or non insulin-dependant diabetes (NIDDM). In type 2 diabetes, the body doesn't use its insulin effectively or doesn't produce enough insulin.
unit of insulin: The basic measure of insulin. U-100 insulin means 100 units of insulin per millilitre (mL) or cubic centimetre (cc) of solution.
vascular: Pertaining to blood vessels.
vascular risk: Risk to target organs and tissues (heart, brain, leg, kidney, eye, nerves) as a result of damage to blood vessels; the damage is caused by diabetes and/or hypertension, and hyperlipidemi.
References:
1. American Diabetes Association. Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes -- 2006. Diabetes Care. Volume 29, Supplement 1, January 2006.
2. American Diabetes Association. Diabetes Statistics. Available at: http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-statistics.jsp. Accessed January 18, 2007.
basal rate: The slow rate at which insulin enters the body with the use of an insulin pump. An insulin pump delivers a basal rate of insulin continuously throughout the day, mimicking the activity of the pancreas.
beta cells: The islet cells in the pancreas that secrete insulin.
blood glucose meter: A hand-held device for testing and measuring blood glucose levels. A drop of blood (obtained by pricking a finger) is placed on a test strip that has been inserted into the meter. The meter measures and displays the blood glucose level. Some meters also store multiple test results for further analysis and downloading to a computer. Also known as a blood glucose monitor.
bolus: A dose of insulin delivered by an insulin pump immediately before or after eating to cover the carbohydrates in a meal. Bolus doses are programmed by the person when the amount of food eaten is known.
brittle diabetes: A condition characterized by extreme fluctuations in blood glucose levels within a short period of time; occurs in a small percentage of type 1 patients, especially after the first year; also called labile or unstable diabetes.
calories: Units representing the amount of energy provided by food. Carbohydrate, protein, and fat are the primary sources of calories in the diet, but alcohol also provides calories. If all calories consumed aren't used as energy, they may be stored as fat by the body.
carbohydrates: One of three major sources of calories in the diet. Carbohydrates are chains of sugar molecules hooked together. Smaller chains are known as simple carbohydrates while longer chains are complex carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates occur naturally in fruits, vegetables and milk products. They are also found in processed sugars such as candy, honey, table sugar and syrups. Complex carbohydrates are starches found in breads, cereals, legumes, rice and pastas. Carbohydrate is broken down into glucose during digestion and is the main nutrient that raises blood glucose levels.
cardiovascular disease: Disease of the heart and blood vessels.
cataract: An eye disease that involves clouding of the lens of the eye.
cholesterol: A fatty substance that is important in metabolism. Cholesterol is present in all animal products. Too much LDL (or bad) cholesterol, too little HDL (or good) cholesterol, or high total cholesterol, however, can be a risk factor for heart disease.1
cortisol: A hormone produced by the adrenal glands; increases blood glucose levels.
counter-regulatory (stress) hormones: Hormones released by the body during stressful situations. These hormones include glucagon, epinephrine (adrenaline), nor-epinephrine, cortisol, and growth hormone. They cause the liver to release glucose and the cells to release fatty acids for extra energy. If there is not enough insulin present in the body, these extra fuels can lead to hyperglycaemia and ketoacidosis.
dawn phenomenon: A rise in blood glucose levels between about 4 and 8 a.m.; caused by a decrease in insulin sensitivity, in turn related to a sleep-induced increase in the secretion of growth hormone.
diabetes mellitus: The full name of diabetes, a disease in which the body cannot turn blood glucose into energy because the body doesn't make enough insulin or cannot use the insulin it has. In uncontrolled diabetes, high levels of glucose build up in the blood and large quantities of sugary urine are excreted, potentially causing damage to systems throughout the body.
diabetic retinopathy: Diabetic eye disease in which the retina, the light-sensing tissue of the eye, is damaged.
DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis): A dangerous condition in which ketone levels build up in the blood and “spill” into the urine. Ketoacidosis requires immediate medical attention.1
endocrine glands: A system of glands which secrete hormones into the body. The islets of the pancreas, some of which manufacture and secrete insulin, are part of the endocrine system.
fasting plasma glucose test: A blood glucose test which is diagnostic for diabetes, performed after the patient has had nothing to eat or drink overnight.
gestational diabetes: A condition in which high blood glucose levels develop during pregnancy in women who were not previously diabetic; diagnosed at 24-28 weeks gestation; levels usually return to normal after delivery, but mothers with gestational diabetes may be at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
glaucoma: Increased pressure in the eye that may lead to vision loss due to damage to the retina and optic nerve.
glucagon: A hormone produced by the alpha cells of the pancreas which increases blood glucose levels.
glucagon kit: An emergency kit containing a pre-mixed form of the hormone; used in treating hypoglycaemic episodes (very low blood glucose level) in unconscious diabetic patients.
glucose: A simple sugar created by the breakdown of carbohydrates in food. Glucose is the body's source of quick energy.
glycated haemoglobin/glycosylated haemoglobin: A long-term indicator of blood glucose control, also known as A1c, glycated haemoglobin or glycosylated haemoglobin test. HbA1c is a monitoring test to measure the amount of glucose bound to haemoglobin; this indicates the average blood glucose levels over a two to three month period (when blood glucose levels rise, glucose in the blood attaches to haemoglobin, the red blood cell pigment, and remains for the life of the red blood cell, about 120 days). Diabetes Professional Associations recommend an A1C result of 7% or less to help reduce the risk of long-term complications of diabetes.1
glycaemic index: A 100-point index for ranking types of food by how quickly their carbohydrates are converted to blood glucose. Foods lower on the glycaemic index may make blood glucose climb more slowly and evenly than foods ranked closer to 100.
HbA1c: A long-term indicator of blood glucose control, also known as A1c, glycated haemoglobin or glycosylated haemoglobin test. HbA1c is a monitoring test to measure the amount of glucose bound to haemoglobin; this indicates the average blood glucose levels over a two to three month period (when blood glucose levels rise, glucose in the blood attaches to haemoglobin, the red blood cell pigment, and remains for the life of the red blood cell, about 120 days). Diabetes Professional Associations recommend an A1C result of 7% or less to help reduce the risk of long-term complications of diabetes.1
heart disease: A condition in which the heart cannot efficiently pump blood. Coronary artery disease is a common form of heart disease. It occurs when the arteries that nourish the heart muscle narrow or become blocked. People with diabetes have a higher risk than the general population for developing heart disease.
haemoglobin: The iron-containing pigment of red blood cells which carries oxygen from the lungs to the tissues.
hyperglycaemia: High blood glucose levels.
hypertension: High blood pressure. Generally this is considered blood pressure above the upper normal range of about 130/80 mm Hg.
hypoglycaemia: Low blood glucose levels.
insulin: A hormone produced in the beta cells in the pancreas. The body uses insulin to let glucose enter cells, where it is used for energy.
insulin pen: A pre-filled pen-shaped device (with a disposable needle) used to inject insulin.
insulin pump: A device worn by a person with diabetes to deliver insulin under the skin 24 hours a day.
insulin resistance: Resistance of the body cells to take in glucose in the presence of insulin.
islets of Langerhans: Groups of cells in the pancreas. The islets contain beta cells, alpha cells, and delta cells.
ketoacidosis: Also known as DKA (diabetic ketoacidosis). A dangerous condition in which ketones build up in the blood and “spill” into the urine. Ketoacidosis requires immediate medical attention1.
ketones: Waste products produced when fatty acids are broken down for energy.
lancet: A small, sharp device for making a small incision in the skin.
mg/dL: Milligrams per decilitre. A measurement used to describe how much glucose is present in a specific amount of blood. (In Australia mmol/L is used.)
mmol/L: Millimoles per litre. A measurement used to describe how much glucose is present in a specific amount of blood. (This measurement in used in Australia.)
nephropathy: Any inflammation or breakdown disorder of the kidneys.
neuropathy: Nerve damage. Neuropathy can be the cause of problems with the feet and hands, heart, digestive tract, sexual issues, and more.1
oral diabetes medications: Tablets taken by some patients with type 2 diabetes to help lower blood glucose levels. These drugs do not contain insulin, but stimulate insulin production to help the body use insulin better, or work to reduce glucose in the bloodstream.
oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): A diagnostic test for diabetes. A person fasts overnight and several blood samples are drawn the next morning over a two-hour period, after the patient drinks a sugary drink.
pancreas: A large gland behind the stomach which contains groups of cells. The pancreas contains beta cells which secrete insulin; also secretes digestive juices into the small intestine.
paresthesia: A feeling of numbness, prickling, or tingling, sometimes pain.
peripheral neuropathy: Nerve damage that affects the extremities, such as the hands and feet.
polydipsia: Excessive thirst.
polyphagia: Excessive appetite or overeating.
polyuria: Frequent urination.
post-prandial blood glucose: Blood glucose levels one to two hours after a meal.
pre-prandial blood glucose: The blood glucose level before eating.
retinopathy: Eye disease in which the retina, the light-sensing tissue of the eye, is damaged.
SMBG (Self-monitoring blood glucose): Self-monitoring of blood glucose. This refers to patients with diabetes who test their own blood to learn blood glucose level trends and better manage their diabetes.
type 1 diabetes: Formerly known as juvenile diabetes or insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM). In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas produces no insulin or extremely small amounts. People with type 1 need to take insulin injections in order to live.
type 2 diabetes: Formerly known as mature-onset diabetes or non insulin-dependant diabetes (NIDDM). In type 2 diabetes, the body doesn't use its insulin effectively or doesn't produce enough insulin.
unit of insulin: The basic measure of insulin. U-100 insulin means 100 units of insulin per millilitre (mL) or cubic centimetre (cc) of solution.
vascular: Pertaining to blood vessels.
vascular risk: Risk to target organs and tissues (heart, brain, leg, kidney, eye, nerves) as a result of damage to blood vessels; the damage is caused by diabetes and/or hypertension, and hyperlipidemi.
References:
1. American Diabetes Association. Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes -- 2006. Diabetes Care. Volume 29, Supplement 1, January 2006.
2. American Diabetes Association. Diabetes Statistics. Available at: http://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-statistics.jsp. Accessed January 18, 2007.
