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A chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin.
It typically appears in adolescence.
What is type 1 diabetes?
A chronic condition that affects the way the body processes blood sugar (glucose).
The body either doesn't produce enough insulin, or it resists insulin.
What is type 2 diabetes?
What is hypoglycemia?
A simple blood test that measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months. It’s one of the commonly used tests to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes
What is hemoglobin A1C?
A doctor who treats people with hormone problems.
What is endocrinologist?
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 is called "ketoacidosis."
What is acidosis?
The preferred method of screening for diabetes; measures a person's blood sugar level after fasting or not eating anything for at least 8 hours.
What is fasting plasma glucose test (FPG)?
A type of sugar found in many fruits and vegetables and in honey; 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.
What is fructose?
The death of body tissues, usually due to a lack of blood supply, especially in the legs and feet.
What is gangrene?
A hormone that raises the level of glucose in the blood by releasing stored glucose from the liver; sometimes injected when a person has lost consciousness (passed out) from low blood sugar levels. Helps raise the level of glucose in the blood.
What is glucagon?
A type of nerve damage that can occur with diabetes.
The condition most often affects the legs and feet.
What is diabetic neuropathy?
A serious diabetes complication where the body produces excess blood acids (ketones).
This condition occurs when there isn't enough insulin in the body. It can be triggered by infection or other illness.
What is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
A complication of diabetes that affects the eyes caused by damage to the blood vessels in the tissue at the back of the eye (retina). Poorly controlled blood sugar is a risk factor.
What is diabetic retinopathy?
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 made by the beta cells in the pancreas and when released, it triggers other cells to use glucose for energy.
What is a hormone?
A hormone produced by the pancreas that helps the body use sugar for energy; the beta cells of the pancreas make this hormone.
What is insulin?
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.
What is insulin reaction?
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.
What is insulin resistance syndrome (metabolic syndrome)?
A test to determine if a person has diabetes; the test is done in a lab or doctor's office in the morning before the person has eaten. A period of at least 8 hours without any food is recommended prior to doing the test. First, a sample of blood is taken in the fasting state. Then the person drinks a liquid that has sugar in it. Two hours later, a second blood test is done.
What is glucose tolerance test?
One of the three main classes of foods and a source of energy; mainly sugars and starches that the body breaks down into glucose (a simple sugar that the body can use to feed its cells).
What is carbohydrates?
A type of cell in an area of the pancreas called the islets of Langerhans; these cells make and release a hormone called glucagon.
What are alpha cells?
When kidneys become damaged, they start to leak protein in the urine. This is a small, abundant protein in the blood that passes through the kidney filter into the urine easier than other proteins.
What is albuminuria? (albumin)
A chemical formed in the blood when the body breaks down fat instead of sugar for energy; if this forms, it usually means the cells are starved. Commonly, the body's production of this 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. It passes through the body into the urine.
What is acetone?
Groups of pancreatic cells secreting insulin and glucagon.
What are islets of Langerhans?
Cells that make insulin, a hormone that controls the level of glucose (a type of sugar) in the blood. Found in the pancreas within clusters of cells known as islets. In type 1 diabetes, the body's immune system mistakenly destroys these cells.
What are beta cells?