Diabetic Dictionary

A

Acidosis - too much acid in the blood.
Adrenal Glands - Two glands of which are located in the kidneys, which make hormones such as adrenaline they function other organs, these hormones also help to control the blood glucose levels.
Adrenaline - a form of hormone which is one of the many that the adrenal glands secrete, it allows the liver to release glucose and also helps to limit the amount of insulin released, as an affect of this it can make your blood pressure and your BGL increase.
Alpha Cells - a cell found in the pancreas, which produces the hormone glucagon, which raises blood sugar levels.
Amino acids - amino acids is at a catalyst of protein enzymes, they are the building blocks of forming proteins, it is the main material of the body's cells, the reason why amino acids relate to diabetes is that 51 amino acids joined together form insulin.
Annual Review - This is a diabetes check-up which happens every year, it is the biggest check-up you'll have, in the review you are likely to get your eyes, feet, legs and blood pressure, and if you don't usually get your HbA1c or urine tested on a more regular basis this is the most likely oppurtunity to do so. This is to check that all your diabetes related health is fine and running smoothly with no indications of any problems.
Antibodies - a protein based cell that the body makes in order to protect itself from foreign subtstances.
Antibody - a special protein based cell that is developed by the immune system, that is developed and released in order to kill a foreign based substance such as a Virus, the ultimate aim of the antibody is to help fight infection.
Autoimmunity - A process which entails of an immune response to your own tissue (thought to be the one of the possible onsets of diabetes).

B

Basal Bolus Injections - This is the term given to the four a day injection scheme.
Beta Cells - a form of cell which is responsible for producing insulin, they are located in the islets of the pancreas.
Blood Glucose Level (BGL) -The amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood stream (BGL).
Blood Glucose Meter - A machine used to determine the blood sugar level, it also comes with a lancet which pricks the skin in order to gain a volume of blood for testing your BGL.

C

Carbohydrate - one of the food groups, a nutrient which is the main source of providing our bodies with energy; it is mainly found in dairy products, starchy vegetables, fruits and grains - they are then broken down into glucose and in effect it raises the blood glucose levels.
Cannula - The small tube which is used when using such equipment as a insulin pump, it is entered into the body to help in various methods of delivering insulin to the body.
Cholesteral - A fatty wax substance made by the body and is found in some food products, the effect of high levels of cholesterol in the blood stream can contribute to risk factors such as heart disease.
Coeliac disease - is a condition which causes an intolerance to gluten (which is a form of protein), in effect to this is can damage the intestines.
Complications - the term used to describe the long term effects of not controlling your diabetes.
Coma - a condition which is sleep-like where the person is unconcious, it is the affect of either hypo (hypoglycaemia) or hypa (hyperglycaemia)conditions.
Control - control is the key to having a healthy life with your diabetes, it is necessary for your BGLs to be controlled between 4-7 mmo/l for the majority of the time.

D

Diabetes - The condition which effects the sustainable management of Blood Glucose Levels.
Diabetic - A person who suffers from Diabetes.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis - loosing control of type one diabetes management which results in high blood glucose levels and the breakdown of fat which can lead to a build up of acids in the blood and nausea.
Diabetes Educator - A health professional who is qualified in the specific area of Diabetes who provides information about their individual requirements and management of their condition.
Diabetes Dietician - A health professional who is qualified in the specific area of Diabetes who provides information regarding a diet regieme which will be modified in accordance to their insulin levels.

E

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

F

Fats - Is one of the three sources of foods and energy in the body, fats can help the body to use some vitamins and keep the skin healthy. They also serve as energy stores for the body. They are three type of fats in food, which is divisible into three categories: saturated polyunsaturated and monounsaturated.
Feet - Diabetes can affect your feet and it is necessary to look after your feet by washing them daily, changing socks daily (hopefully you already do both) and cutting your nails carefully and regularly.
Fibre - A substance which is found in plants, fibre helps to during the digestive process and is believed to be low in cholestrol and helps to manager blood glucose levels. Fibre is divisble into two groups, soluble and insoluble.
Fit - A seizure that is a symptom of severe hypoglycaemia occuring, if untreated the person will fall into a diabetic coma which can be fatal.
Fructose - A form of sugar which is often found with glucose and sucrose, it is derived from sucrose.

G

Glucose - The body's main source of energy.

H

HbA1c - is the test which incurs averaging the blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months. This is enabled due to the red blood cells which allow glucose to be attached to the cells, the initial test is developed to see how much glucose is attaced to the red blood cells the more glucose the higher the HbA1c level will be. This test is also scientifically refered to as a glycosylated haemoglobin test.
Honeymoon period - This is a phase after being diagnosed with diabetes type 1 where the pancreas maybe still secreting some insulin, a form of recovery however it will not last for long and is likely to last for a few months to a year. During this period it is likely the insulin levels will be severley reduced.
Hormone - Hormones are chemicals which have been released by certain cells - Insulin (a hormone) is formed by beta cells in the pancreas, when insulin is released by the pancreas it tells other cells to use glucose for energy.
Hypa (Hyperglcaemia) - Blood sugar levels are higher than the usual levels of 4-7 mmo/l, if the sugar levels are substantially high it will be necessary to use fast acting insulin which will decrease the sugar levels with an overall aim of reaching the usual sugar levels of 4-7 mmo/l.
Hyperlipidemia - high level of fat (scientific name: lipids) in the blood.
Hypo (Hypoglycaemia) - Blood sugar levels are lower than the usual levels of 4-7 mmo/l, it will be necessary to implement a portion of
sugar to increase the levels - however if untreated the condition can lead to a diabetic coma.
Hypostop - a reasonably new gel which is used when a person is having a hypo, it can be placed into the mouth where it will be absorbed and your sugar levels will begin to rise, it is NOT to be used when a person is unconcious.

I

Injection -The delivery of a substance entering the body, accompanied by some form of device such as a pen and needle. A diabetic will deliver their insulin by injecting into the tissue of their body.
Injection site - the location on the body of where the person implements their injection of insulin to the body
Insulin - A hormone which is developed by the pancreas in order to maintain a steady blood glucose level.

J

Jewellery - can play an important role in identifying your diabetes, this is due to such jewellery as Medic-alert bracelets and SOS bracelets being available to identify your medical details, it allows your identity to be known incase of any events such as a diabetic coma occur.
Juvenile onset Diabetes - often known as type one diabetes.

K

Ketones - Acids in the blood formed when body fat is used instead of glucose to provide energy, it is necessary to check for ketones when your BGL is above 15mmo/l.

L

Lancets - A sharp pin type needle used to prick the skin inorder to bleed, the blood is then used for testing the BGL using a BGL
meter.
Lipohypertrophy - the occurance of fatty lumps caused when insulin is frequently injected in the same injection site.
Long Acting Insulin - Insulin of which is slowly absorbed by the body after the injection is given, in most scenarios it is given with fast acting insulin for people with type one diabetes.
Lucozade - a form of an energy drink which is necessary when a hypo occurs, it is the key to diagnosing your hypo as it is a glucose drink and therefore it will increase your BGL.

M

Metformin - is used to block glucose entering the body via the liver in diabetes type 2, however it can be used in companionship with insulin in diabetes type 1 to control a persons weight.
Millimole (mmol) - the unit used when measuring the concentration of glucose and any other substances in your blood.
Monounsaturated fat - often refered to as a healthy fat which can reduce the possibility of heart disease - it is found in such products as olive oil.
Microbuminuria - small amounts of protein entering into the urine.

N

Necrobiosis Lipoidica Diabeticorum - a form of a red mark, commonly on the legs - it is a more common problem in women than men.
Needles - are used in conjuction with pens and syringes in order to transfer the insulin into the blood stream which will decrease BGLs.
Nephropathy - form of damage to the kidneys.
Neuropathy - form of damage to the nervous system.

O

Optometrist - A specialist of eyes who will examine the condition of your eyes, as well as this it is important to have retinal photos from around the age of 16, however some may have these photos done before the age of 16.

P

Paediatric - related to children.
Paediatric Endocrinologist - A doctor who specialises in the management of such diseases including the glands, adrenal, thyroid, pituitary, parathyroid glands, ovaries, testicles and pancreas in children.
Pancreas - Located behind the kidneys, it develops susbtances which are responsible for digestion and used by the food in the body, such as insulin which controls the BGLs and helps to store glucose in our body.
Pens - Not the pens you write with but the insulin pens which are used to inject insulin to the body. Pens allow you to dial up your insulin units accurately and can be easily carried round with you.
Polydipsia - excessive thirst and water consumption.
Polyunsaturated Fat - a healthy fat, which also like Monounsaturated fat can help reduce heart disease, it is found in fish, vegetable oils including sunflower oil, nuts and seeds.
Polyuria - excessive excretion of urine.
Protein - a nutrient found in food which is important for growth, development and repair of tissues; food examples include egg,
meat and poultry, fish and dairy products.

Q

Quick Acting Insulin - This form of insulin is absorbed into the blood stream and acts fairly quickly, it is frequently used in conjunction
with long actiong insulin in children so they can flexibly change their insulin doseage when BGLs are high due to adolescence.

R

Record - it is vital that you record your BGLs frequently as it is important you are aware of them but most importantly your filling the diary correctly in order to give it to your GP or diabetes specialist in order for them to analyse your BGLs.
Refridgerator - is important your insulin which is not being used is stored in a environment which is cool like a refridgerator, however avoid keeping it too cool as this can damage the insulin and may prevent it from working correctly.
Retinopathy - the term used for the damage of the small blood vessels at the back of the eye.

S

Saturated Fats - a type of fat which is linked with heart disease, it is often found in such foods as butter, full fat dairy foods, fatty meats and of course processed and take away foods.
Sharps - general term used for needles, syringes and lancets used by people with diabetes who require there equipment to be safely disposed of.
Short Acting Insulin - Insulin which is absorbed quickly into the body after injection, it is frequently combined with fast acting insulin in the aim to maintain juvenile diabetes (type 1).
Subcutaneous - term used to describe underneath the skin.
Sucralose - a sweetner formed from sugar which has no nutrional values or sugar content.
Sucrose - a sugar formed by glucose and fructose.
Sugar -a form of energy used by the body, commonly refered to as glucose.
Sugar-free - the term used to denote a product which has little or no sugar, often used in food labelling.
Syringes -a syringe accompanied with a needle a can be used to inject insulin into the body.

T

Thrush - Thrush is likely to occur if your blood glucose levels are high; thrush symptoms include: yellow or even fury tongue or irriteable privates - it is reccomended you visit a doctor in order to get treatment.
Thyroid -a fairly large gland located at the base of the neck which is responsible for releasing an important hormone for the normal growth and development of children in such stages as adolesense, and in adulthood it is responsible for maintaining a normal and steady metabolism.
Travel - When traveling it is necessary to always plan your journey, especially when flying. If you are flying it is necessary to contact your diabetes specialist and get a letter of consent for why you are carrying your medication and sharps. More importantly keep your medication in your hand language, as if it is kept in the hold drop below the aircraft your medication may freeze and as a result it may be useless - BUT most importantly your luggage may get lost so it is important to keep your medication in your hand luggage.
Type 1 Diabetes -often refered to as juvenille diabetes, occurs when the pancreas stops producing insulin and the condition is managed by injecting insulin daily.
Type 2 Diabetes -often refered to as self-inflicted diabetes caused one or more factors including: age, weight, fitness, ethnic background and overall health, it is controlled by diet with the addition of tablets, the overall cause is when the pancreas does not produce sufficient amounts of insulin or the insulin developed is not working effectively.

U

Unit - the amount of insulin injected into the body.

V

Vaccinations - they are an artificial immunity injected into your body so you become immune to certain diseases, such as tuberculoss, common today is travel vaccinations which are required for going abroad to such places as Kenya which may require such vaccinations as Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, yellow fever or Melaria which is given in a tablet form - after been given vaccinations the like scenarios is that your blood sugar levels will rise as commonly people suffer from flu like symptoms after a vaccination, if you feel that your BGL's and the symptoms have not gone get in touch with your GP or diabetic specialist.
Vials - a small glass bottle which contains different types of insulin, the insulin is drawn from the vials by using a needle and syringe and they when not in use the vial should be store in a refridgerator.

W

Weight - maintaining a steady weight can help maintain steady blood glucose levels and reduce any complications occuring with your diabetes; a steady weight can be obtained by having a balanced diet which incurs you eating 5 daily portions of fruit and vegetables as well as eating a balanced amount of other nutrients: carbohydrates, protein, fats and vitamins and fibre.

X

Y

Yeast Infection - A yeast infection is more likely to occur if your blood glucose levels are high; a yeast infection has the following symptoms: yellow or even fury tongue or irriteable privates - it is reccomended you visit a doctor in order to get treatment, yeast infections can occur in various parts of the body.

Z