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A1c: A test to measure how much glucose has built up in the blood over the past several months.
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Artery: A blood vessel that carries oxygen-rich blood from the heart to the rest of the body.
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Basal insulin: Long-lasting insulin that helps keep blood sugar steady.
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Blood glucose meter: A device that tests the amount of glucose in the blood.
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Blood pressure: The force created against blood vessel walls when the heart pumps blood through the body.
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Blood vessels: Tubes that carry blood throughout the body.
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Bolus insulin: The amount of insulin needed to balance carbohydrates that are eaten. It may also be taken to correct an unexpected rise in blood sugar.
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Carbohydrate: A nutrient in food that is broken down into glucose during digestion.
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Chronic: Lifelong or ongoing. A chronic condition, such as diabetes, can be managed with treatment, but not cured.
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Diabetes: A condition in which the body cannot produce insulin or use it properly.
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Diabetes complications: Serious health problems that develop over time due to high blood sugar.
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Diabetes educator: An expert who teaches people how to manage their blood sugar.
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Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA): A condition in which ketones build up to dangerous levels in the blood and urine.
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Diabulemia: A dangerous condition in which insulin is purposely not taken in order to prevent weight gain or promote weight loss.
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Dietitian: An expert in food and nutrition.
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Endocrinologist: A doctor who specializes in how hormones work in the body.
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Glucose: A simple form of sugar that is used to fuel the body’s cells.
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Hemoglobin: A protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
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High blood pressure (hypertension): Blood pressure that is higher than the normal range.
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Honeymoon phase: A period of time during which some people with type 1 diabetes are still producing some natural insulin, usually right after diagnosis. The honeymoon phase may last several months.
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Hormone: A chemical released by special cells that tells other cells what to do.
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Hyperglycemia: A condition in which there is too much glucose in the blood.
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Hypoglycemia: A condition in which there is not enough glucose in the blood.
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Injection: A method of putting liquid medications into the body. Also called a “shot.”
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Insulin: A hormone produced by the pancreas that allows glucose to enter cells.
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Insulin resistance: A condition in which cells do not respond properly to insulin.
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Ketones: A chemical produced when the body is forced to break down fat for energy.
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Lancet: A device that uses a small needle to pierce the skin for a drop of blood.
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Lipids: Fats stored by the body to be burned as fuel, if needed.
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Liver: An organ that stores and releases glucose when needed.
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Microalbumin: A test that checks for small amounts of protein in the urine.
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Nerves: Fibers that convey signals to and from the brain.
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Pancreas: An organ that makes and releases insulin into the bloodstream.
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Peripheral arterial disease (PAD): Damage to the arteries that supply blood to the arms, legs, and feet.
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Podiatrist: A healthcare provider who specializes in foot care.
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Prediabetes: A condition in which blood sugar levels are between 100 and 125. This means that a person is on the verge of developing diabetes.
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Retinopathy: An eye disease that leads to damage of the blood vessels in the eyes.
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Saturated fat: A type of fat that comes from animals and some plants.
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Syringe: A device that uses a small needle to inject liquid medications into the body.
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Target range: The level of blood glucose that a patient is told to aim for as often as possible.
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Trans fat: A type of fat that results when liquid oil is made into a solid fat. This kind of fat is bad for your body.
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Triglycerides: The main type of fat found in the blood.
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Type 1 diabetes: A chronic condition in which the pancreas cannot produce insulin.
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Type 2 diabetes: A chronic condition in which the cells are resistant to insulin. Additionally, the liver may release too much glucose into the blood. And the pancreas may not produce enough insulin to overcome resistance.