Diabetes Dictionary

ketoacidosis: High levels of blood glucose, often due to insufficient insulin.

ketones: A by-product of fat metabolism that builds up in the blood due to inadequate insulin or calories.

Kussmaul breathing: Low deep respiration in response to insufficient oxygen transport between the lungs and the blood. Named for Adolph Kussmaul, a 19^th century German doctor who first noticed it among his patients. Often seen due to ketoacidosis.

lactose: A sugar found in milk.

LDL cholesterol: Low-density lipoprotein, a blood fat needed for cell repair that can build up on artery walls. Sometimes known as "bad cholesterol.

lipid: Fat in the body.

metabolism: The body's ability to provide living cells with energy.

necrobiosis: Cell death within tissue.

neuropathy: A disease of the nervous system, usually degenerative in nature.

nutritionist: A health care professional who specializes in nutrition and means of providing nutrition.

obesity: Excess amounts of body fat.