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What are adrenal glands?
Adrenal glands: Two endocrine glands that sit on top of the kidneys and make and release stress hormones, such as epinephrine (adrenaline), which stimulates carbohydrate metabolism; norepinephrine, which raises heart rate and blood pressure; and corticosteroid hormones, which control how the body utilizes fat, protein, carbohydrates, and minerals, and helps reduce inflammation. They also produce sex hormones like testosterone and can produce DHEA and progesterone.
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What is a urologist?
Urologist: A doctor who specializes in treatment of the urinary tract for men and women, as well as treatment of the genital organs for males.
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What is injection site rotation?
Injection site rotation: Changing the areas on the body where a person injects insulin; by changing the area of injection, the injections will be easier, safer, and more comfortable. If the same injection site is used over and over again, hardened areas, lumps, or indentations can develop under the skin, which keep the insulin from being used properly. These lumps or indentations are called "lipodystrophies."
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What is regular insulin?
Regular insulin: A type of insulin that is rapid-acting.
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What is a jet injector?
Jet injector: A device that uses high pressure to push insulin through the skin and into the tissue.
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What is polyphagia?
Polyphagia: Excessive hunger and eating; may be a sign of diabetes. When insulin levels are decreased or there is insulin resistance, the cells of the body do not get enough sugar, and hunger develops. People with polyphagia often lose weight, even though they are eating more than normal, because the excess calories are lost in the urine as sugar (glucose).
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What is the definition of vascular?
Vascular: Relating to the body's blood vessels (arteries, veins, and capillaries).
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What is obesity?
Obesity: A term uses to describe excess body fat; it is defined in terms of a person's weight and height, or his/her body mass index ( BMI). A BMI over 30 is classified as being obese. Obesity makes your body less sensitive to insulin's action. Extra body fat is thought to be a risk factor for diabetes.
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What is laser treatment?
Laser treatment: The use of a strong beam of light (laser) to heal a damaged area; a person with diabetes might receive laser treatments to heal blood vessels in the eye.
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What is an anomaly?
Anomaly: Birth defects; deviation from the norm or average.
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What is the definition of brittle diabetes?
Brittle diabetes: When a person's blood sugar level often shifts very quickly from high to low and from low to high.
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What is emergency medical identification?
Emergency medical identification: Cards, bracelets, or necklaces with a written message, used by people with diabetes or other medical problems to alert others in case of a medical emergency, such as coma.
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What is the definition of blood pressure?
Blood pressure: The measurement of the pressure or force of blood against the blood vessels (arteries); blood pressure is written as two numbers. The first number or top number is called the systolic pressure and is the measure of pressure in the arteries when the heart beats and pushes more blood into the arteries. The second number, called the diastolic pressure, is the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats. The ideal blood pressure for non-pregnant people with diabetes is 130/80 or less.
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What is polydipsia?
Polydipsia: Excessive thirst that lasts for long periods of time; may be a sign of diabetes. Polyphagia: Excessive hunger and eating; may be a sign of diabetes.
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What is insulin-dependent diabetes?
Insulin-dependent diabetes: Former term used for type 1 diabetes.
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What is insulin resistance syndrome or metabolic syndrome?
Insulin resistance syndrome or metabolic syndrome: This syndrome is defined by a cluster of medical conditions that raise the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease. A diagnosis is important, because you can make health improvements that lessen the risk. Insulin resistance syndrome or metabolic syndrome is diagnosed when a person has 3 or more of the following: Blood pressure equal to or higher than 130/85 mm Hg Fasting blood sugar (glucose) equal to or higher than 100 mg/d L Large waist circumference (a waistline of 40 inches or more for men; 35 inches or more for a woman) Low HDL cholesterol (under 40mg/d L for men; under 50 mg/d L for women) Triglycerides equal to or higher than 150 mg/d L Insulin shock: A severe condition that occurs when the level of blood sugar drops quickly.
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What is the glycated hemoglobin test (HbA1c)?
Glycated hemoglobin test ( Hb A1c): This is an important blood test to determine how well you are managing your diabetes; hemoglobin is a substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen to tissues. It can also attach to sugar in the blood, forming a substance called glycated hemoglobin or a Hemoglobin A1 C. The test provides an average blood sugar measurement over a 6- to 12-week period and is used in conjunction with home glucose monitoring to make treatment adjustments. The ideal range for people with diabetes is generally less than 7%. This test can also be used to diagnose diabetes when the Hb A1c level is equal to or greater than 6.5%.
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What is the definition of asymptomatic?
Asymptomatic: No symptoms; no clear sign that disease is present.
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What does cardiovascular mean?
Cardiovascular: Relating to the heart and blood vessels (arteries, veins, and capillaries).
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What is a hormone?
Hormone: A chemical released in one organ or part of the body that travels through the blood to another area, where it helps to control certain bodily functions; for instance, insulin is a hormone made by the beta cells in the pancreas and when released, it triggers other cells to use glucose for energy.
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What is the Somogyi effect?
Somogyi effect: Also called "rebound effect," it occurs when there is an upward swing in blood sugar from an extremely low level of glucose in the blood to a very high level. It usually happens during the night and early morning hours. People who experience high levels of blood sugar in the morning may need to test their blood sugar levels in the middle of the night. If blood sugar levels are repeatedly low, addition of an evening snack or a lowering of insulin doses may be recommended.
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What is stevia?
Stevia: A natural sugar substitute that has no calories; Truvia is the brand name for a sweetener made from the stevia leaf.
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What is rapid-acting insulin?
Rapid-acting Insulin: Covers insulin needs for meals eaten at the same time as the injection; this type of insulin is used with longer-acting insulin.
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What is the retina?
Retina: 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. Retinopathy: A disease of the small blood vessels in the retina of the eye.
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What are triglycerides?
Triglyceride: Fats carried in the blood from the food we eat; most of the fats we eat, including butter, margarines, and oils, are in triglyceride form. Excess triglycerides are stored in fat cells throughout the body.
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What is insulin resistance, or metabolic, syndrome?
Insulin resistance syndrome or metabolic syndrome: This syndrome is defined by a cluster of medical conditions that raise the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and heart disease. A diagnosis is important, because you can make health improvements that lessen the risk.
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What is vaginitis?
Vaginitis: An inflammation or infection of the vaginal tissues; a woman with this condition may have itching or burning or vaginal discharge. Women who have diabetes may develop vaginitis more often than women who do not have diabetes.
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What is human insulin?
Human insulin: Bio-engineered insulin very similar to insulin made by the body; the DNA code for making human insulin is put into bacteria or yeast cells and the insulin made is purified and sold as human insulin.
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What is the pancreas?
Pancreas: An organ behind the lower part of the stomach that is about the size of a hand; it makes insulin so the body can use sugar for energy.
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What does polydipsia mean?
Polydipsia: Excessive thirst that lasts for long periods of time; may be a sign of diabetes. Polyphagia: Excessive hunger and eating; may be a sign of diabetes.
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What is a vein?
Vein: A blood vessel that carries blood to the heart.
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What does polyphagia mean?
Polyphagia: Excessive hunger and eating; may be a sign of diabetes. When insulin levels are decreased or there is insulin resistance, the cells of the body do not get enough sugar, and hunger develops. People with polyphagia often lose weight, even though they are eating more than normal, because the excess calories are lost in the urine as sugar (glucose).
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What are ketone bodies?
Ketone bodies: Often simply called ketones, one of the products of fat burning in the body; when there is not enough insulin, your body is unable to use sugar (glucose) for energy and your body breaks down its own fat and protein. When fat is used, ketone bodies, an acid, appear in your urine and blood. A large amount of ketones in your system can lead to a serious condition called ketoacidosis. Ketones can be detected and monitored in your urine at home using products such as Ketostix, Chemstrips, and Acetest. When your blood sugar is consistently greater than 250 mg/dl, if you are ill or if you are pregnant and have diabetes, ketones should be checked regularly.
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What is dehydration?
Dehydration: Large loss of body water; if a person with diabetes has a very high blood sugar level, it causes increased water loss through increased urination and therefore, extreme thirst.
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What is periodontal disease and how does it relate to diabetes?
Periodontal disease: Damage to the gums and tissues around the teeth; people who have diabetes are more likely to have periodontal disease than people who do not have diabetes.
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What is an ophthalmologist?
Ophthalmologist: A doctor who treats people with eye diseases.
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What is a carbohydrate?
Carbohydrate: One of the three main classes of foods and a source of energy; carbohydrates are mainly sugars and starches that the body breaks down into glucose (a simple sugar that the body can use to feed its cells).
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What is a unit of insulin?
Other types of long-acting insulin include nsulin detemir ( Levemir) and iinsulin glargine ( Lantus).. Unit of insulin: The basic measure of insulin; U-100 is the most common concentration of insulin. U-100 means that there are 100 units of insulin per milliliter (ml) of liquid. For the occasional patient who has severe insulin resistance, insulin is available as a U-500 form.
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What is polyuria?
Polyuria: Increased need to urinate often; a common sign of diabetes.
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What is a podiatrist?
Podiatrist: A health professional who diagnoses and treats foot problems.
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What is a coma?
Coma: An emergency in which a person is not conscious; may occur in people with diabetes because their blood sugar is too high or too low.
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What is high blood pressure?
High blood pressure: A condition when the blood flows through the blood vessels at a force greater than normal; high blood pressure strains the heart, harms the arteries, and increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney problems; also called "hypertension." The goal for blood pressure in people with diabetes is less than 130/80.
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What are insulin receptors?
Insulin receptors: Areas on the outer part of a cell that allow insulin in the blood to join or bind with the cell; when the cell and insulin bind together, the cell can take glucose from the blood and use it for energy.
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What is sucralose?
Sucralose: An artificial sweetener that is 600 times sweeter than sugar; can be used in cooking. Splenda is a brand name of sucralose.
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What is an insulin reaction?
Insulin reaction: Another term for hypoglycemia in a person with diabetes; this occurs when a person with diabetes has injected too much insulin, eaten too little food, or has exercised without eating extra food.
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What is glaucoma?
Glaucoma: An eye disease associated with increased pressure within the eye; glaucoma can damage the optic nerve and cause impaired vision and blindness.
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What is juvenile-onset diabetes?
Juvenile-onset diabetes: Former term used for type 1 diabetes.
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What is late-onset diabetes?
Late-onset diabetes: Former term used for type 2 diabetes.
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What are exchange lists?
Exchange lists: A way of grouping foods together to help people on special diets stay on the diet; each group lists food in a serving size. A person can exchange, trade, or substitute a food serving in one group for another food serving in the same group. The lists put foods into six groups: starch/bread, meat, vegetables, fruit, milk, and fats. Within a food group, one serving of each food item in that group has about the same amount of carbohydrate, protein, fat, and calories.
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What is intermediate-acting insulin?
Intermediate-acting Insulin: Covers insulin needs for about half the day or overnight; this type of insulin is often combined with rapid- or short-acting insulin.
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What is sucrose?
Sucrose: Table sugar; a form of sugar that the body must break down into a more simple form before the blood can absorb it and take it to the cells.
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What does injection site rotation mean for diabetics?
Injection site rotation: Changing the areas on the body where a person injects insulin; by changing the area of injection, the injections will be easier, safer, and more comfortable. If the same injection site is used over and over again, hardened areas, lumps, or indentations can develop under the skin, which keep the insulin from being used properly. These lumps or indentations are called "lipodystrophies."
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What does metabolism mean?
Metabolism: All of the physical and chemical processes in the body that occur when food is broken down, energy is created and wastes are produced.
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What are oral diabetes medications?
Oral diabetes medications: Medications that people take to lower the level of sugar in the blood; oral diabetes medications are prescribed for people whose pancreas still produces some insulin. These medications are not used in diabetes during pregnancy.
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What does Mg/dL mean?
Mg/d L (milligrams per deciliter): Measurement that indicates the amount of a particular substance such as glucose in a specific amount of blood.
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What does "renal" mean?
Renal: Relating to the kidneys.
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What is a vitrectomy?
Vitrectomy: A procedure in which the gel from the center of the eyeball is removed because it has blood and scar tissue that blocks vision; an eye surgeon replaces the clouded gel with a clear fluid.
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What does adverse effect mean?
Adverse effect: Harmful effect.
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What is Acidosis?
Acidosis: Too much acid in the body, usually from the production of ketones like acetone, when cells are starved; for a person with diabetes, the most common type of acidosis is called "ketoacidosis."
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What are antibodies?
Antibodies: Proteins that the body produces to protect itself from foreign substances, such as bacteria or viruses.
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What is blood glucose?
Blood glucose: See glucose.
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What is advantame?
Advantame: An FDA-approved sugar substitute similar to Aspartame; it can be used as both a tabletop sweetener and as an ingredient in cooking. Advantame can also be used in baked goods, soft drinks and other non-alcoholic beverages, chewing gum, candies, frostings, frozen desserts, gelatins and puddings, jams and jellies, processed fruits and fruit juices, toppings and syrups.
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What is adult-onset diabetes?
Adult-onset diabetes: A term for type 2 diabetes that is no longer used, because this type of diabetes is now commonly seen in children; "non-insulin dependent diabetes" is also considered an incorrect phrase in describing type 2 diabetes, because patients with this type of diabetes may at some point require insulin.
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What does "Acute" mean for people with diabetes?
Acute: Abrupt onset that is usually severe; happens for a limited period of time.
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What is intermittent claudication?
Intermittent claudication: Pain in the muscles of the legs that occurs off and on, usually while walking or exercising; the pain results from atherosclerosis of the blood vessels feeding the muscles of the lower extremities. Claudication usually increases with age and is most common in people in their sixth or seventh decade of life. Risk factors for developing narrowing of the arteries that can cause claudication include smoking cigarettes, high blood pressure, and diabetes. Drugs are available to treat this condition.
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What is Acesulfame-k?
Acesulfame-k: An artificial sweetener used in place of sugar; it contains no carbohydrates or sugar; therefore, it has no effect on blood sugar levels. This sweetener is often used in conjunction with other artificial sweeteners in processed low-calorie foods. It is also used as a tabletop sweetener under the brand names Sunette, Sweet One, and Swiss Sweet.
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What does asymptomatic mean?
Asymptomatic: No symptoms; no clear sign that disease is present.
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What is sugar?
Sugar: A class of carbohydrates that tastes sweet; sugar is a quick and easy fuel for the body to use. Some types of sugar are lactose, glucose, fructose, and sucrose.
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What is albumuria and how does it affect people with diabetes?
Albuminuria: When kidneys become damaged, they start to leak protein in the urine. Albumin is a small, abundant protein in the blood that passes through the kidney filter into the urine easier than other proteins. Albuminuria occurs in about 30%-45% of people who have had type 1 diabetes for at least 10 years. In people newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, the kidneys may already show signs of small amounts of protein spillage, called "microalbuminuria." This may be from the result of diabetes or from other diseases seen in conjunction with diabetes, like high blood pressure. Protein in the urine increases the risk of developing end-stage kidney disease. It also means that the person is at a particularly high risk for the development of cardiovascular disease.
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What is a callus?
Shoes that fit well and are padded can prevent bunions from forming. Bunions may lead to other problems, such as serious infection from the big toe putting pressure on other toes. Callus: A small area of skin, usually on the foot, that has become thick and hard from rubbing or pressure; calluses may lead to other problems, such as serious infection.
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What is Acetone?
Acetone: A chemical formed in the blood when the body breaks down fat instead of sugar for energy; if acetone forms, it usually means the cells are starved. Commonly, the body's production of acetone is known as "ketosis." It occurs when there is an absolute or relative deficiency in insulin so sugars cannot get into cells for energy. The body then tries to use other energy sources like proteins from muscle and fat from fat cells.
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What are antigens?
Antigens: Substances that cause an immune response in the body, identifying substances or markers on cells; the body produces antibodies to fight antigens, or harmful substances, and tries to eliminate them.
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What is an optometrist?
Optometrist: A person professionally trained to test the eyes and to detect and treat eye problems, as well as some diseases, by prescribing and adapting corrective lenses.
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What is a risk factor?
Risk factor: Anything that increases the chance of a person developing a disease or condition.
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What does vascular mean?
Vascular: Relating to the body's blood vessels (arteries, veins, and capillaries).
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What is a fasting plasma glucose test (FPG)?
Fasting plasma glucose test ( FPG): The preferred method of screening for diabetes; the FPG measures a person's blood sugar level after fasting or not eating anything for at least 8 hours. Normal fasting blood glucose is less than 100 milligrams per deciliter or mg/d L. A fasting plasma glucose greater than 100 mg/d L and less than126 mg/d L implies that the person has an impaired fasting glucose level but may not have diabetes. A diagnosis of diabetes is made when the fasting blood glucose is greater than 126 mg/d L and when blood tests confirm abnormal results. These tests can be repeated on a subsequent day or by measuring glucose 2 hours after a meal. The results should show an elevated blood glucose of more than 200 mg/d L. Fats: Substances that help the body use some vitamins and keep the skin healthy; they are also the main way the body stores energy.
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What is background retinopathy?
Background retinopathy: This is the mildest form of eye disease caused by diabetes; it can be associated with normal vision. With a longer duration of diabetes or with uncontrolled blood sugars, eye damage can progress to more serious forms.
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What is retinopathy?
Retinopathy: A disease of the small blood vessels in the retina of the eye.
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What is sorbitol?
Sorbitol: A sugar -- produced from fruits -- that the body uses slowly; it is a sweetener used in diet foods and is called a "nutritive sweetener" because it has four calories in every gram, just like table sugar and starch. These compounds are used in many foods labeled as ''sugar free'' and ''no sugar added'' and can raise your blood glucose. Because a food is labeled ''sugar free,'' it doesn't necessarily mean carbohydrate-free.
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What is an ulcer?
Ulcer: A break in the skin; a deep sore. People with diabetes may develop ulcers from minor scrapes on the feet or legs, from cuts that heal slowly, or from the rubbing of shoes that don't fit well. Ulcers can become infected and should be treated promptly.
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What is saccharin?
Saccharin: An artificial sweetener that is used in place of sugar because it has no calories and does not increase blood sugar; it is sold as Sugar Twin and Sweet' N Low.
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What is a cardiologist?
Cardiologist: A doctor who takes care of people with heart disease; a heart specialist.
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What is a neurologist?
Neurologist: A doctor who treats people who have problems of the nervous system (brain, spinal cord, and nerves).
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What is neuropathy in diabetes?
Neuropathy: Nerve damage; people who have had diabetes that is not well controlled may develop nerve damage.
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What does "regular insulin" mean?
Regular insulin: A type of insulin that is rapid-acting.
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How does laser treatment work for diabetes?
Laser treatment: The use of a strong beam of light (laser) to heal a damaged area; a person with diabetes might receive laser treatments to heal blood vessels in the eye.
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What does hypoglycemia mean?
Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar; the condition often occurs in people with diabetes. Most cases occur when there is too much insulin and not enough glucose in your body.
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What does obesity mean?
Obesity: A term uses to describe excess body fat; it is defined in terms of a person's weight and height, or his/her body mass index ( BMI). A BMI over 30 is classified as being obese. Obesity makes your body less sensitive to insulin's action.
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What is blood urea nitrogen (BUN)?
Blood urea nitrogen ( BUN): A product of metabolism that is excreted in the urine; it is measured in the blood as an indirect measure of how well the kidney is functioning. Increased BUN levels in the blood may indicate early kidney damage, meaning the kidneys aren't effectively excreting BUN.
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What is fructose?
Fructose: A type of sugar found in many fruits and vegetables and in honey; fructose is used to sweeten some diet foods, but this type of sweetener is typically not recommended for people with diabetes, because it could have a negative effect on blood sugar.
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What dose peak action mean for diabetics?
Peak action: The time when the effect of something is as strong as it can be, such as when insulin is having the most effect on blood sugar.
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What is an artery and what role does it play in diabetes?
Artery: A blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to other parts of the body; arteries are thicker than veins and have stronger, more elastic walls. Arteries sometimes develop plaque within their walls in a process known as "atherosclerosis." These plaques can become fragile and rupture, leading to complications associated with diabetes, such as heart attacks and strokes.
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What are sulfonylureas?
Sulfonylureas: Pills or capsules that people take to lower the level of sugar in the blood; these oral diabetic medications work to lower your blood sugar by making your pancreas produce more insulin.
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What does insulin-dependent diabetes mean?
Insulin-dependent diabetes: Former term used for type 1 diabetes.
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What is short-acting insulin?
Short-acting Insulin: Covers insulin needs for meals eaten within 30-60 minutes; includes humulin or novolin, or Velosulin (in an insulin pump).
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What is an Alpha cell?
Alpha cell: A type of cell in an area of the pancreas called the islets of Langerhans; alpha cells make and release a hormone called "glucagon." Glucagon functions in direct opposition to insulin -- it increases the amount of glucose in the blood by releasing stored sugar from the liver.
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What is a Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE)?
Certified Diabetes Educator ( CDE): A health care professional who is certified by the American Association of Diabetes Educators ( AADE) to teach people with diabetes how to manage their condition.
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What is an emergency medical identification?
Emergency medical identification: Cards, bracelets, or necklaces with a written message, used by people with diabetes or other medical problems to alert others in case of a medical emergency, such as coma.
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What is the dawn phenomenon?
Dawn phenomenon: A rise in blood sugar levels in the early morning hours.
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What is urine testing?
Urine testing: Checking urine to see if it contains ketones; if you have type 1 diabetes, are pregnant and have diabetes, or have gestational diabetes, your doctor may ask you to check your urine for ketones. This is an easy test done at home with a dipstick measure.