| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| A1C |
A test that sums up how much glucose has been sticking to part of the hemoglobin during the past 3–4 months. Hemoglobin is a substance in the red blood cells that supplies oxygen to the cells of the body. The AIC goal for patients in general is an AIC goal of less than 7%. The AIC goal for the individual patient is an AIC as close to 6% as possible without a considerable amount of low blood glucose. |
| ACE inhibitor |
A type of drug used to lower blood pressure. Studies indicate that it may also help prevent or slow the progression of kidney disease in people with diabetes. ACE is an acronym for angiotensin-converting enzyme. |
| Autoimmune Process |
A process where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys body tissue that it mistakes for foreign matter. |
| Beta Cells |
Cells that make insulin. Beta cells are found in areas of the pancreas called the Islets of Langerhans. |
| Bladder |
A hollow organ that urine drains into from the kidneys. From the bladder, urine leaves the body. |
| Blood Glucose |
The main sugar that the body makes from the food we eat. Glucose is carried through the bloodstream to provide energy to all of the body’s living cells. The cells cannot use glucose without the help of insulin. |
| Blood Pressure |
The force of the blood against the artery walls. Two levels of blood pressure are measured: the highest, or systolic, occurs when the heart pumps blood into the blood vessels, and the lowest, or diastolic, occurs when the heart rests |
| Blood Sugar |
See "Blood Glucose" |
| Calluses |
Thick, hardened areas of the skin, generally on the foot, caused by friction or pressure. Calluses can lead to other problems, including serious infection and even gangrene. |
| Carbohydrate |
One of three main groups of foods in the diet that provide calories and energy. (Protein and fat are the others.) Carbohydrates are mainly sugars (simple carbohydrates) and starches (complex carbohydrates, found in bread, pasta, beans) that the body breaks down into glucose. |
| Cholesterol |
A substance similar to fat that is found in the blood, muscles, liver, brain, and other body tissues. The body produces and needs some cholesterol. However, too much cholesterol can make fats stick to the walls of the arteries and cause a disease that decreases or stops circulation. |
| Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) |
Retains fluids and harmful waste builds up because the kidneys no longer work properly. |
| Corns |
A thickening of the skin of the feet or hands, usually caused by pressure against the skin. |
| Dehydration |
The loss of too much body fluid through frequent urinating, sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting. |
| Diabetes |
The short name for the disease called diabetes mellitus. Diabetes results when the body cannot use blood glucose as energy because of having too little insulin or being unable to use insulin. See also type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes. |