Diabetes Dictionary

A

 

 

Adrenal glands
Glands located at the top of each kidney that secrete important hormones for the function of many organ systems in the body.

Adrenaline
One of the secretions of the adrenal glands. It helps the liver release glucose (sugar) and limit the release of insulin. It also makes the heart beat faster and can raise blood pressure.

Alpha Cells
Alpha cells are found in the pancreas. They produce a hormone called glucagon, which raises blood glucose levels. 

Antibodies
Proteins that the body makes to protect itself from foreign substances.

Antibody
A special kind of protein made by the immune system that is released in response to something foreign in the body eg. virus. Antibodies help fight infection.

Autoimmunity
Pertaining to development of an immune response to one's own tissue. 

B

Basal Bolus Injections
Insulin injections four times a day.

Beta Cells
Cells in the pancreas that make the hormone insulin.

Biopsy
Removal of a small amount of tissue or fluid from the body, examined under a microscope to determine whether disease is present. 

Blood Glucose Level (BGL)
The amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood stream.

Blood Glucose Meter
A device used to measure blood glucose levels.

Bovine (beef) insulin
Insulin extracted from the pancreas of cattle. Has been replaced by human insulin.

C

Carbohydrate
A nutrient in food that provides a major source of energy. Usually found in grains, fruits, starchy vegetables and dairy foods. Is broken down to glucose in the blood stream and raises blood glucose levels.

Cannula
A small tube that is inserted into the body to assist in various methods of insulin delivery eg. pumps, insuflon.

Cholesterol
A fatty waxy substance made by the body and also found in some foods. High levels of cholesterol in the blood stream are a risk factor for heart disease.

Coeliac Disease
A condition where there is an intolerance to gluten, a protein found in foods that causes damage to the small intestine.

Complications
The long term effects of uncontrolled diabetes on the body.

Convulsion
A fit or seizure that can be a symptom of severe or untreated hypoglycaemia.

D

Dawn Phenomenon
This occurs when BGLs rise in the early hours of the morning due to the natural release of the hormones cortisol and adrenaline.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
A sudden loss of control of type 1 diabetes with high blood glucose levels and breakdown of fat leading to a build up of acids in the blood with nausea, vomiting and dehydration. Without urgent medical attention, DKA can lead to coma and death.

Diabetes Educator
A health professional who specialises in providing education about the management of diabetes.

Diabetes Dietitian
A health professional who provides advice on the dietary management of diabetes.

Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT)
A 10-year study (1983 - 1993) in the United States to assess the effects of intensive therapy on the long–term complications of diabetes.

E

Endocrinologist
A doctor who specialises in the management of diseases of the glands, including the adrenal, thyroid, pituitary, parathyroid glands, ovaries, testicles and pancreas.

Enzymes
A special protein made in the body that assists with naturally occurring biological functions of the body.

Erectile Dysfunction (Impotence)
The loss of a man’s ability to have an erection. Some men may become impotent after having diabetes for a long time because the nerves or blood vessels have become damaged. Sometimes the problem has nothing to do with diabetes and may be treated with counselling.

F

Fats
One of the three main classes of foods and a source of energy in the body. Fats help the body use some vitamins and keep the skin healthy. They also serve as energy stores for the body. In food, there are three types of fats: saturated, polyunsaturated and monounsaturated.

Fibre
A substance found in foods that come from plants. Fibre helps in the digestive process and is thought to lower cholesterol and help control blood glucose (sugar). The two types of fibre in food are soluble and insoluble.

Fit
A convulsion or seizure that can be a symptom of severe or untreated hypoglycaemia.

G

Gastroparesis
A complication of diabetes that causes delayed digestion resulting in unpredictable swings in blood glucose levels

Glucose
The body’s main source of energy.

Glucagon
A hormone made by the pancreas that causes the liver to release glucose from body stores. Manufactured glucagon is injected to raise blood glucose levels in a person with severe hypoglycaemia.

Glycaemic Index
A ranking of carbohydrate foods according to their effect on blood glucose levels.

Glycemic Response
The effect of different foods on blood glucose (sugar) levels over a period of time.

Glycemic Load
The predicted effect of a food on blood glucose levels that takes into account glycemic index and total available carbohydrate.

Glycogen
The body’s stores of glucose in the liver and muscle which release glucose (sugar) into the blood when needed by cells. Glycogen is the chief source of stored fuel in the body.

H

HbA1c
A test to identify the average blood glucose level over the last 2-3 months. Also known as glycosylated haemoglobin, this test measures the amount of glucose that attaches to red blood cells which depends on how much glucose is in the bloodstream. If BGLs have been high over the 2-3 month period, more glucose will attach to the red blood cells and HbA1c will be high. If BGLs are mostly within the recommended range, then HbA1c will be closer to the desired level.

Honeymoon Period
A remission phase after the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes when there is partial, temporary recovery of insulin production by the pancreas. The amount of injected insulin required to manage diabetes is significantly reduced. The honeymoon period may last a few months to a year.

Hormone
Hormones are chemicals released by special cells that tell other cells what to do. For instance, insulin is a hormone made by the beta cells in the pancreas. When released, insulin tells other cells to use glucose (sugar) for energy.

Human Insulin
Insulin that has been manufactured to be identical to that produced naturally in the human pancreas.

Hyperglycaemia
Blood glucose levels higher than the desirable range.

Hypoglycaemia
Blood glucose levels lower than the desirable range.

Hyperlipidemia
Too high a level of fats (lipids) in the blood.

I

IDDM 
Insulin dependant diabetes mellitus, now known as type 1 diabetes.

Immune system
A system of the body that provides protection from infection.

Infusion Set
Consists of a length of thin plastic tubing with a lock connector at one end, attached to a very small cannula placed under the skin. It is connected to the insulin pump and used to deliver insulin to the body.

Infusion Site
The place on the body where the infusion set needle is inserted under the skin.

Injection
The introduction of medication into the body with a delivery device eg. needle and syringe, pen, pump. A person with diabetes injects insulin by putting the needle into the tissue under the skin (called subcutaneous). Other ways of giving medicine or nourishment by injection are putting the needle into a vein (intravenous/IV) or putting the needle into a muscle (intramuscular/IM).

Injection Site
The place on the body where the insulin is injected.

Insulin
A hormone made by the pancreas that is responsible for controlling blood glucose levels.

Insulin Resistance
The inability of the body to recognise and use insulin as it should.

Intramuscular
Into the muscle.

J

Juvenile Onset Diabetes
Another name for type 1 diabetes.

K

Ketones
Acids in the blood formed when body fat is used instead of glucose to provide energy.

L

Lancets
A sharp needle like device used to prick the skin to test the blood glucose level.

Lipohypertrophy
Fatty lumps that form when insulin is constantly injected into the same area.

Long acting insulin
Insulin that is absorbed slowly into the body after injection. Commonly used in conjunction with short acting insulin in the management of type 1 diabetes in children.

M

Macrovascular 
Referring to the large blood vessels of the body.

Metformin
A tablet that lowers blood glucose levels by blocking the release of glucose from the liver. Usually used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, sometimes used for weight management in children with type 1 diabetes in conjunction with insulin.

Microvascular 
Referring to the small blood vessels of the body.

Millimole (mmol)
A unit for measuring the concentration of glucose and other substances in the blood.

Microalbuminuria
Leakage of small amounts of protein into the urine.

Monounsaturated fat
A healthy fat that may help reduce the risk of heart disease. Found in olive and canola oil, nuts and avocadoes.

N

NDSS
The National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) is a Federal Government funded initiative, administered on behalf of the Government by Diabetes Australia. For further information see Advocacy and Support.

Nephropathy
Damage to the kidneys.

Neuropathy
Damage to parts of the nervous system.

NIDDM
Non Insulin Dependant Diabetes Mellitus, now known as type 2 diabetes.

P

Paediatric
About children.

Paediatric Endocrinologist 
A doctor who specialises in the management of diseases of the glands, including the adrenal, thyroid, pituitary, parathyroid glands, ovaries, testicles and pancreas in children.

Pancreas
A gland or organ behind the stomach that produces hormones such as insulin.

Polydipsia
Excessive thirst and drinking large amounts of water.

Polyunsaturated fat
A healthy fat that may help reduce the risk of heart disease. Found in fish, vegetable oils such as sunflower oil, nuts and seeds.

Polyuria
Passing large amounts of urine due to excess glucose in the blood stream.

Porcine (pork) insulin
Insulin extracted from the pancreas of pigs. Has been replaced by human insulin.

Post-prandial
After a meal.

Protein
A nutrient in food that is important for growth, development and repair of tissues. Food high in protein include meat, poultry, fish, eggs, legumes and dairy foods.

R

Retinopathy
Damage to the small blood vessels at the back of the eye.

S

Saturated fat
A type of fat that has been shown to increase the risk of heart disease. Found in animal foods such as butter, full fat dairy foods, and fatty meats, as well as many processed and takeaway foods.

Sharps
A word commonly used to describe syringes, pen needles and lancets used by people with diabetes which require safe disposal after use.

Short acting insulin
Insulin that is absorbed quickly into the body after injection. Commonly used in conjunction with long acting insulin in the management of type 1 diabetes in children.

Sliding Scale
A method of insulin adjustment based on blood glucose levels.

Social Worker
A health professional who helps families cope with the diagnosis of diabetes and the impact on family life.

Subcutaneous
Underneath the skin.

T

Thyroid
A large gland located at the base of the neck that releases an important hormone for the control of normal growth and development in children, and maintenance of normal metabolism in adults.

Type 1 diabetes 
Also known as insulin dependent diabetes, occurs when the pancreas stops making insulin. Requires daily insulin injections for survival.

Type 2 diabetes 
Also known as non- insulin dependent diabetes, occurs when there is either insufficient insulin or the insulin produced does not work effectively.

U

Ultra short acting insulin 
These insulins are absorbed after injection and have a shorter duration than short acting insulins eg. Humalog and Novorapid.

Unit
A method of measurement eg. insulin dose.

 

Source: http://www.diabeteskidsandteens.com.au/diabetes_dictionary.html 

Australian Diabetes Council

Signs of Diabetes in Kids

The symptoms of diabetes may show up differently in the case of adults and children. The demonstration of the symptoms may differ according to its type. The signs of diabetes may come up more rapidly in the case of children and infants compared to adults. In the case of children and infants suffering from diabetes type 1- beta cells are destroyed at a greater pace. Children are usually found affected with ketoacidosis- a symptom of diabetes. In some other cases, diagnosis reports may indicate ketoacidosis or hyperglycemia during stress or infection.

Kids suffering from diabetes type 2 are usually obese or overweight. Some children may have family background of diabetes. Such kids generally show physical symptoms of insulin resistance such as dark patches of skin which is medically known as acanthosis nigricans. The symptoms of diabetes type 1 are different from diabetes type 2. The signs of diabetes in children often develop rapidly within a span of few weeks. Kids suffering from diabetes type1 may show the symptoms such as:

Frequent urination and increase in thirst: Due to excessive deposition of sugar in the bloodstream- blood cells extracts out fluid from the tissues. Excessive loss of fluid from the tissues and blood vessels can cause the child to feel thirsty. Thus kids may desire to drink more water. Since kids tend to drink more water, they frequently rush to washroom.

Extreme hunger/ increase in appetite: In such conditions, the child may often demand for extra food. They will complain about extreme hunger. Many times they will inform you that their hunger is not satisfied even after consuming food. Since the glucose obtained from food does not enter cells, but stays back in bloodstream and disturbs the immune system. This leads to loss of immense energy and shrinks the energy, which triggers extreme hunger in children.

Sudden weight loss: You may witness explained weight loss in kids - even after continuous consumption of food. Weight loss is caused due to insufficient supply of energy foods in their diet. Hence, they draw energy from reserved storage of fats. Excessive loss of body weight will cause a child to experience extreme tiredness and weakness. This will make your immune system weak, which will further invite numerous infections.

Extreme weakness: Due to insufficient supply of energy food, the child will experience lots of tiredness and weakness.

Yeast infection: Diabetes type 1 in babies also welcomes yeast infection. This may develop rashes on their skin. It is necessary to feed children with nutritional diet and make them drink plenty of water. They should drink at least ten to twelve glass of water in the entire day.

Blurred vision: The decrease in the level of fluid and blood from eye tissues will create difficulty with vision. The child is unable to see or may witness double objects.

Children are often not aware of various diseases and their symptoms. It is very necessary for parents to notice abnormalities in the child's health. Parents should inform about the importance of good health. As soon as their child shows the above mentioned signs of diabetes, immediately seek a medical attention.

Please check my blog at signs of diabetes

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_John_Smith

What Is Diabetes? What Causes Diabetes?

Diabetes, often referred to by doctors as diabetes mellitus, describes a group of metabolic diseases in which the person has high blood glucose (blood sugar), either because insulin production is inadequate, or because the body's cells do not respond properly to insulin, or both. Patients with high blood sugar will typically experience polyuria (frequent urination), they will become increasingly thirsty (polydipsia) and hungry (polyphagia).

There are three types of diabetes:

1) Type 1 Diabetes

The body does not produce insulin. Some people may refer to this type as insulin-dependent diabetes, juvenile diabetes, or early-onset diabetes. People usually develop type 1 diabetes before their 40th year, often in early adulthood or teenage years.

Type 1 diabetes is nowhere near as common as type 2 diabetes. Approximately 10% of all diabetes cases are type 1.

Patients with type 1 diabetes will need to take insulin injections for the rest of their life. They must also ensure proper blood-glucose levels by carrying out regular blood tests and following a special diet.

Between 2001 and 2009, the prevalence of type 1 diabetes among the under 20s in the USA rose 23%, according to SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth data issued by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). (Link to article)

2) Type 2 Diabetes

The body does not produce enough insulin for proper function, or the cells in the body do not react to insulin (insulin resistance).

Approximately 90% of all cases of diabetes worldwide are of this type.

Some people may be able to control their type 2 diabetes symptoms by losing weight, following a healthy diet, doing plenty of exercise, and monitoring their blood glucose levels. However, type 2 diabetes is typically a progressive disease - it gradually gets worse - and the patient will probably end up have to take insulin, usually in tablet form.

Overweight and obese people have a much higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes compared to those with a healthy body weight. People with a lot of visceral fat, also known as central obesity, belly fat, or abdominal obesity, are especially at risk. Being overweight/obese causes the body to release chemicals that can destabilize the body's cardiovascular and metabolic systems.

The risk of developing type 2 diabetes is also greater as we get older. Experts are not completely sure why, but say that as we age we tend to put on weight and become less physically active. Those with a close relative who had/had type 2 diabetes, people of Middle Eastern, African, or South Asian descent also have a higher risk of developing the disease.

Men whose testosterone levels are low have been found to have a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Researchers from the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, say that low testosterone levels are linked to insulin resistance. (Link to article)

Measuring the glucose level in blood

3) Gestational Diabetes

This type affects females during pregnancy. Some women have very high levels of glucose in their blood, and their bodies are unable to produce enough insulin to transport all of the glucose into their cells, resulting in progressively rising levels of glucose.

Diagnosis of gestational diabetes is made during pregnancy.

The majority of gestational diabetes patients can control their diabetes with exercise and diet. Between 10% to 20% of them will need to take some kind of blood-glucose-controlling medications. Undiagnosed or uncontrolled gestational diabetes can raise the risk of complications during childbirth. The baby may be bigger than he/she should be.

Scientists from the National Institutes of Health and Harvard University found that women whose diets before becoming pregnant were high in animal fat and cholesterol had a higher risk for gestational diabetes, compared to their counterparts whose diets were low in cholesterol and animal fats. (Link to article)

Source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/diabetes/