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Albuminuria is a conditions in which high levels of protein called albumin are
found in the urine. Too much can often be a sign of early kidney
disease.
Alpha Cells are found in the Islets of Langerhans within your pancreas. They are
responsible for producing glucagon, a hormone which causes an increase
in the blood sugar level.
Autoimmune
Disease is a disorder in
which a person's own antibodies destroy body tissues, such as the beta
cells in the pancreas.
Basal
Your body usually needs a small
amount of insulin to hold everything steady, even if you've not eaten
food. On injections this is usually provided by the long-acting insulin.
A pump gives you a small amount all the time, called the basal
rate.
Beta Cells
are found in the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. Their function is
to produce insulin
Blood Glucose
Level is the amount of
glucose or sugar found in the food at any given time. It is measured in
either mg/dL or mmol/L
Blood Glucose
Meters are hand-held
machines designed to test blood glucose levels. A special strip or test
strip is inserted into the machine and a small drop of blood is then
added to the strip. The machine analyzes the blood and gives a reading
of the glucose level of the blood usually in a manner of seconds. These
small machines allow a person with diabetes greater control and
understanding of what is happening in their body at all times.
Blood Pressure refers to the pressure exerted by blood flow on artery walls. People
with diabetes should aim for a blood pressure of 130 / 80 or lower.
Bolus
is insulin you give yourself in one go, for a reason - usually because
you are about to eat carbohydrate, or because you want to lower your
blood glucose level. The latest pumps can give this insulin quickly, or
spread out over a time. You need to find out for yourself how much
insulin you need for different foods, and how much 1 unit will lower
your blood glucose level.
CDE
Certified Diabetes Educator
CGMS Continuous
Glucose Monitoring System - a system for recording your glucose level
continuously. The most modern of these systems are found in the MiniMed
Real Time System, the Abbot Freestyle Navigator (still pending federal
approval) or the DexCom.
CHO
or Carb
Carbohydrates. CHO is its chemical name, since it is made up of carbon,
hydrogen and oxygen. A carbohydrate in its most simplest terms is the
amount of “sugar” in food. It breaks down into glucose during digestion
and raises blood glucose levels.
C-Peptide is
formed in the beta cells of the pancreas therefore a test of C-peptide
levels indicates the amount of beta cell function occurring in the
pancreas
CSII Continuous
Subcutaneous Insulin Infusion. The full medical name for insulin pump
therapy
Canula is a
small, usually plastic devise that is at the end of an infusion set. It
is the part of the insulin pump infusion set that enters the body and
allows the insulin through.
Carb Counting
refers to the totalling the amount of carbohydrates in a meal. This
amount is usually then matched to the amount of fast acting insulin
required.
Cartridge
is the reservoir that holds
the insulin in an insulin pump.
Cholesterol is a
type of fat which occurs naturally in our bodies and is also found in
animal fats. Too much saturated fat and dietary cholesterol may be
associated with arteriosclerosis
Chronic refers
to a disease or disorder that is present over long periods of time often
the remainder of a lifetime of an individual
Combination
(Extended) Bolus occurs
when a portion of the insulin is delivered via the insulin pump right
away and a second amount is delivered over a specific period of time.
Correction
bolus This is an amount of insulin taken to bring down a high blood glucose
level into a normal range. It is done by first figuring out your insulin
sensitivity factor—how much insulin will reduce your blood glucose by
what amount.
Creatinine
is a compound present in the muscles and blood that is passed in the
urine. A creatinine clearance test' is a diagnostic test for kidney
function
DCCT Diabetes
Control and Complication Trial. A 10-year US study, published in the
early 1990s, that established a statistical link that poorly controlled
diabetes causes complications
DKA
or Diabetic
Ketoacidosis is the presence of ketones in the blood. In diabetes,
this can progress to the complex and serious condition of DKA. If
untreated, this leads to coma and death
DM
Diabetes
Mellitus
Dx
or DOD
refer to the date of diagnosis
Dawn Phenomenon
refers to a early morning rise in blood glucose levels largely caused by
the large release of growth hormones that normally occurs during this
time. The growth hormones block the insulin’s effect during this time.
Dehydration is a state in which there is excessive loss of water from body
tissues. It can occur when the blood sugar levels are high for long
periods of time. It can also result from inadequate water intake, or
excessive sweating, vomiting or diarrhea. Symptoms of dehydration can
include extreme thirst, irritability, confusion and flushed, dry skin
Diabetic
Retinopathy is a disease in
which the small blood vessels (capillaries) in the back of the eye
(retina) may bleed or form new vessels. This condition usually occurs in
people with long-standing diabetes. Regular eye examinations are an
important part of diabetes management
Diabetes
is a condition in which the body either cannot produce insulin or cannot
effectively use the insulin it produces
Dialysis
is a method of removing waste products and excess water from the body
when the kidneys no longer function adequately
Dietician
is an expert in nutrition
who can assist people plan the kinds and amounts of foods that promote a
healthy lifestyle
Endo
or Endocrinologist is a
diabetes specialist
ESRD
End Stage Renal Disease
Gestational
Diabetes occurs when there
is any degree of impaired glucose regulation which is first recognised
during pregnancy. After the birth the problems often disappear but these
women do run a higher than normal risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
Glucagon
is a hormone produced by the pancreas that stimulates the liver to
produce large amounts of glucose. It is given by injection for
hypoglycemia and generally restores blood sugar within five to ten
minutes
Glucose
is a simple form of sugar that acts as fuel for the body. It is produced
during digestion of carbohydrate and carried to the cells in the blood.
Glycemic Index is a scale that ranks carbohydrate-rich foods by how much they raise
blood glucose levels compared to glucose or white bread. For more
details see the Canadian Diabetes Association website
http://www.diabetes.ca/Section_About/glycemic.asp
Glycemic
response is the speed at which the food is able to increase your blood glucose
level. It can be influenced by many factors, including how much food
you eat, how much the food is processed or even how the food is prepared
Glycogen
is the main carbohydrate storage material, which is stored in the liver
and muscles for use when energy is required.
Hemoglobin A1c, or glycated hemoglobin is a form of hemoglobin (the
oxygen-carrying molecule of the blood) that reflects the average blood
glucose concentration over a three month period. A high percentage of
hemoglobin A1c indicates poor control while a low percentage indicates
good control.
Honeymoon
Period is the period of time after the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes when the
dose of insulin may need to be reduced due to remaining or recovered
insulin secretion from the pancreas. This period can last weeks, months
or years
Hormones
are the substances released into the bloodstream from a gland or organ.
Hormones control growth and development, reproduction, sexual
characteristics, blood sugar levels and influence the way the body uses
and stores energy.
Human Insulin is a bio-synthetic insulin created in the 1990s using recombinant-DNA
technology.
Hyper or
Hyperglycaemia, hyperglycaemic or high blood sugar
occurs when there is too little insulin and too much food or glucose.
This is when a correction bolus/injection may be used (as directed by a
physician). Symptoms often include dizzieness, blurred vision,
inability to concentrate, intense thirst, and a frequent need to
urinate.
Hypertension is
the medical term for high blood pressure.
Hypo or
Hypoglycaemia, hypoglycaemic,insulin shock or low blood
sugar occurs when the body has too much insulin and not enough
glucose. Fast acting glucose must be given to the patient immediately.
Symptoms include fatigue, listlessness, hunger, blurred vision, and
dizziness.
IGT
Impaired Glucose
Tolerance
IoB
or Insulin On Board. This reflects the delay while insulin is
being absorbed. Smart pumps will guess for you how much insulin you
have already taken, but which has not yet worked. This helps get a more
accurate correction bolus. This can also be figured out manually.
Insulin
is a hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas in response to
increased levels of glucose in the blood.
Insulin Pump (CSSI)
is a portable, battery-operated device that delivers a specific amount
of insulin through a small needle inserted under the skin. It can be
programmed to deliver constant doses throughout the day and / or deliver
extra insulin as required throughout the day. It is not an artificial
pancreas. It does not work independently of the operator at this point.
You must work with your diabetes care team to set up the insulin pump to
your personal needs.
Insulin
Sensitivity helps to know
how sensitive to insulin you are. Insulin sensitivity helps to determine
the total daily insulin dose, including the background insulin,
carbohydrate Humalog/Regular (see the 500/450 Rule), and sliding scale
Humalog/Regular (see the 1800/1500 Rule). Insulin sensitivity is one
measure of one's risk for heart disease. The more sensitive one is in
general, the lower the risk for heart problems. For those with Type I
diabetes, insulin sensitivity can be estimated by filling in the blanks
below:
Your weight
(lbs.) / 4 =_____ units
Your total daily
insulin dose (all insulins) =_____ units
The answer from
line 1, (weight divided by 4) gives your estimated need for insulin. If
your actual insulin dose on line 2 is close to this number, and you have
good control, you have a normal sensitivity to insulin.
If line 2 is less
than line 1 (and your control is good), you have excellent insulin
sensitivity.If line 2 is much greater than line 1, your insulin
sensitivity may be lower or you may be on too much insulin. (Are you
having frequent insulin reactions?)
With Type II
diabetes, determining sensitivity to insulin is more complicated because
everyone varies in how much insulin their own pancreas produces and in
how resistant they are to insulin.
Insulin Shock
see hypoglycaemia
Ischemia
is an inadequate supply of blood to body tissues or organs. It can occur
if blood vessels are narrowed or constricted.
Islets of
Langerhans are clusters of
cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, glucagons and pancreatic
polypeptide
JDRF or
Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation formerly the Juvenile
Diabetes Foundation. This is a research driven organization
dedicated to finding a cure for Type 1 diabetes.
Juvenile Diabetes
now called Type 1 Diabetes
Ketones
are chemicals produced by the liver when the body cannot use glucose and
must break down fat for energy. Ketones can poison and even kill body
cells. When ketones build up, the body gets rid of them in the urine.
Ketones that accumulate in the body over long periods of time can lead
to serious illness and coma.
Ketoacidosis (DKA)
is a severe complication of
diabetes that is the result of high blood sugar levels and ketones often
associated with poor control of diabetes or as a complication due to
other illnesses.
LADA Latent
Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults also known as Type 1.5 diabetes is
a slower form of Type 1 diabetes in which only one or two types of
antibodies attack the beta cells that make insulin.
Lipodystrophy is
the loss of fatty tissue that can occur as a result of repeated insulin
injections in the same area. When experiencing a lot of highs, this can
be one area to check—watch that you are not injecting or infusing
insulin into an area that has these lumps as insulin will not be
absorbed properly from there.
MDI
or Multiple Daily Injections refer to the use of three or more
injections of insulin through the course of the day.
mg/dL
or Milligrams
per decilitre. A unit for measuring blood glucose levels most
commonly used in the US. To convert to mmol/L, divide this number by
18.
mmol/L or
Millimoles per litre. An alternate unit for measuring blood glucose
levels. To covert to mg/dL multiply the mmol/L reading by 18
MODY or
Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young. Similar to Type 2 diabetes,
but affecting young people
Morbidity Rate is the number of cases of a particular disease occurring in a single
year often expressed as dx cases per 1000'.
Mortality Rate is the rate of people who die from a specific illness in relation to
the total population. Mortality rates are usually expressed as the
number of deaths per 1,000, 10,000 or 100,000 persons.
Myocardial infarction
is also known as a heart attack
Nephrologist is
a medical doctor who specializes in the care and treatment of people
with kidney diseases.
Nephropathy Kidney
disease.
Neuropathy
Damage or inflammation to the peripheral nerves
Ophthalmologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treatment and care of the eyes.
Oral Agents are medications, taken by mouth, usually for the treatment of type 2
diabetes.
Oral Glucose
Tolerance Test (OGTT) is a
test of the body's ability to metabolize carbohydrate. It is performed
by giving a standard dose of glucose and measuring the blood and urine
for glucose at regular intervals.
Pancreas
is a fish-shaped grayish-pink nodular gland that stretches transversely
across the posterior abdominal wall in the epigastric region that
secretes various substances such as digestive fluid, insulin and
glucagons. It is divided into a head, a body, and a tail, and is about
13cm long in adults.
Paediatrician is a medical doctor who specializes in the care and treatment of
children.
Podiatrist
is a health professional who diagnoses and treats disorders of the feet
Postprandial Blood glucose level
is one taken after a meal. Taken within one hour of eating may show a
spike that can be problematic and lead to higher A1c levels than
anticipated.
Pre-bolus
refers to when a bolus is delivered before the food is eaten. This
can sometimes help to avoid Post Prandial spikes with certain
foods.
Prediabetes occurs when blood glucose levels that are near but not quite at the
level that defines a diabetes diagnosis. They may be told that they
have impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or impaired fasting
glucose (IFG), are at increased risk for developing diabetes and its
complications over time.
Preprandial
Readings taken just before you eat.
Protein
is one of the major sources of calories in a diet. Found in meats, eggs,
milk and some vegetables and starches, protein provides the body with
material for building blood cells, hormones and body tissue.
Quick-Set a 90
degree infusion set sold by MiniMed. It has a soft plastic tube (canula)
that goes straight into the skin
Retinopathy
Damage to the small blood vessels on the eye's retina, believed to be
caused by high BG levels.
Rx
Shorthand for
prescription or treatment
Sugar
is a simple form of carbohydrate that provides calories and raises blood
glucose levels.
Super Bolus borrows from the basal insulin effectively loading more of the insulin
up front where you need it. Add up the total of the basal that would be
delivered before the food is gone, or for a couple of hours. You would
then drop the basal rate to zero for a chosen period of time as that
basal insulin was bolused as a single dose. This makes more insulin
available right away, when needed most bringing the blood glucose level
down sooner, thus taking care of the food that is hitting faster than
the bolus normally would. It leaves the latter part of the meal bolus to
act in the place of the basal insulin, since the Super bolus took care
of the high from the food already and the bolus "tail" is no longer
needed to deal with the meal. This works very well for high glycemic
index meals
Spike
(postprandial spike) a high
blood glucose level that occurs within 1 hours of eating.
Type 1
Diabetes (or insulin-dependent
diabetes) occurs when the
pancreas no longer produces any or very little insulin. The body needs
insulin to use sugar as an energy source. Type 1 diabetes usually
develops in childhood or adolescence and affects 10% of people with
diabetes.
Type 2
Diabetes (also known as Adult Onset Diabetes or Non-Insulin Dependent
Diabetes Mellitus) is a disease in which your pancreas does not
produce enough insulin, or your body does not properly use the insulin
it makes. If you have type 2 diabetes, glucose builds up in your blood
instead of being used for energy
Ulcer
is a crater-like lesion of the skin or mucous membrane often as a result
of inflammatory process.
Untethered
Regimen is the idea of
using lantus or levemir instead of the basal rate on an insulin pump and
attaching to the pump only for bolus amounts.
Urine Tests measure substances, such as blood glucose or ketones, present in the
urine.
Vascular
Disease is a disease of the blood vessels.
Reference:
Canadian Diabetes Association-
http://www.diabetes.ca/Section_About/type2.asp
http://www.diabetes.ca/Section_About/glycemic.asp
http://www.diabetes.ca/Section_About/borderline.asp
http://www.diabetes.ca/Section_About/dictionary.asp
http://www.childrenwithdiabetes.com/d_05_110.htm#defs
Diabetesnet.com
http://www.diabetesnet.com/diabetes_treatments/insulin_sensitivity.php
Insulin Pumpers UK
http://www.insulin-pumpers.org.uk/glossary/
Using Insulin. John Walsh, Ruth Robers, Chandrasekhar Varma, and
Timothy Bailey, 2003 Diabetes Services Inc.
www.diabetesnet.com
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