Diabetes Dictionary

A1C: A type of hemoglobin measured in tests to monitor diabetes.

acanthosis: Wart-like growths and skin pigmentation seen in adolescents with Type 2 diabetes.

alpha cell: Pancreatic cells that produce the hormone glucagons, which signals the liver to release glucose.

autoimmune disease: A disease in which the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys body tissue.

beta cell: Special cells in the islets of Langerhans that produce insulin.

blood monitor: A small device designed to monitor glucose levels in the blood.

blood sugar: Glucose available in the blood for cell energy.

BMI (Body Mass Index): A measurement of body fat based on height and weight.

bolus: A high dose of medication or other substance given intravenously to rapidly induce a therapeutic amount of the substance in the bloodstream.

carbohydrate: Sugars, starches and cellulose formed by green plants (cellulose in plants and chitin in animals) and a primary source of food.

charcot's foot: A condition of the foot where the joints and soft tissues and destroyed. Caused by damage to the nerves.

cirrhosis: Widespread scarring and damage of the liver.

coma: Unconsciousness caused by disease or trauma.

congestive heart failure: Heart failure caused by inadequate blood circulation or the inability to pump blood out of the heart.

c-peptide: A peptide (amino acid byproduct) produced in equal amounts to insulin.

dehydration: Insufficient amounts of bodily fluid.

dextrose: A simple blood sugar.

dyslipidemia: A condition where excess amounts of lipids or lipoproteins build up in the blood.

endocrinologist: A scientist who specializes in diseases of the endocrine glands.

euglycemia: Normal levels of sugar in the blood.

exocrine: Describes the secretion of a body substance through a duct, such as sweat.