Blood glucose: Main sugar the body makes from food that is eaten. Blood glucose is also called blood sugar. Glucose is carried through the bloodstream to provide energy to cells. Cells cannot use glucose without the hormone, insulin.
Diabetes mellitus: A condition where the body is unable to use blood glucose for energy. In Type 1 diabetes, the pancreas no longer makes insulin and blood glucose cannot enter cells. In Type 2 diabetes, the pancreas does not make enough insulin, or the body is not able to use the insulin efficiently.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis: A life-threatening condition in those with Type 1 diabetes that requires immediate treatment. It shows up with extremely high blood glucose levels and ketones in the urine and bloodstream. If not treated, this condition can lead to coma and death. Symptoms: nausea and vomiting, stomach pain, fruity breath odor, rapid breathing.
Dilated eye exam: An eye exam that tests the pupil of the eye. Eye drops dilate the pupil, so the ophthalmologist can see inside the eye. This exam is important for people with diabetes for early detection of eye problems resulting from diabetes.
Dialysis: An artificial process for cleansing wastes from the blood.
Gestational diabetes: Diabetes that develops only during pregnancy and usually disappears after the baby’s birth. The diabetes must be managed while the mother is carrying the baby – through diet, exercise and medications. The mother remains at risk for diabetes later in life.
Hemoglobin A1C: A test showing how much blood glucose is sticking to red blood cells over a period of 3-4 months. Since red blood cells regenerate every four months, doctors can see how glucose has affected cell life during that time period.
Hypoglycemia: Low blood glucose. Symptoms: Feeling nervous or anxious, feeling numb in arms and hands, shakiness, and dizziness.
Hyperglycemia: High blood glucose. Symptoms: frequent urination, unusual thirst, weight loss.
Impaired Glucose Tolerance: Condition where blood glucose levels are higher than normal, but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. The condition is also called pre-diabetes.
Insulin: Hormone that helps the body use blood glucose for energy. Beta cells of the pancreas make insulin.
Insulin Resistance: A condition that occurs when the body cannot use the insulin it makes effectively and blood glucose levels rise.
Ketones: Chemical substances the body produces when it does not have enough insulin in the blood.
Pancreas: An organ that makes insulin and enzymes for digestion.