Common Diabets Terms
A Glossary of Terms to Better Understand Diabetes
Whether you’re at the doctor’s office or simply reading an article about diabetes, you may come across some words that are unfamiliar to you. Here are some medical terms used to described diabetes, diabetes-related complications, common tests prescribed by doctors for people with diabetes and much more. By reading through the following words and their definitions, you’ll be able to better understand and communicate with your diabetes care team.
A1c
Test that measures your average blood glucose (sugar) level over the past 2 to 3 months.
Ankle-brachial Index Test
Test to check the circulation in your legs and feet. This test is done only when the doctor cannot detect a pulse in your feet or if you have symptoms of poor circulation.
Blood Glucose (Sugar)
Sugar present in blood which provides the body’s main source of energy.
Blood Glucose (Sugar) Level
Amount of glucose (sugar) present in blood. The measurement is indicated as milligrams in a deciliter, or mg/dL.
Blood Glucose (Sugar) Meter
A small device used to measure blood glucose (sugar) levels. The lancet pierces the skin and a drop of blood is applied to the test strip. After the strip is inserted into the meter the blood glucose (sugar) reading is displayed on the meter.
Blood Glucose (Sugar) Monitoring
Checking and tracking blood glucose (sugar) levels in order to manage diabetes.
Blood Pressure Test
Test that measures the force of blood against the walls of your blood vessels. A blood pressure measurement is taken by placing a cuff around your upper arm. The cuff is inflated to temporarily restrict blood flow, and then the cuff is deflated.
Carbohydrate
Common source of energy in food. Carbohydrates can be found in starches, vegetables, fruits, dairy products and sugars
Cholesterol Test
Measures the amount of blood fats in your blood.
Complete Foot Exam
Group of tests done at least once a year by your primary care doctor or foot specialist. The doctor will ask you some questions and then look at your feet and check for any foot abnormalities. The foot exam tests: your risk of developing ulcers, your risk of needing surgery to remove your toes, feet, or leg (amputation), and the health of your nerves and blood circulation in your legs and feet.
Diabetes Educator
A health care professional who teaches people with diabetes how to manage their disease. Some diabetes educators are Certified Diabetes Educators (CDEs). Diabetes educators are found in hospitals, physician offices, managed care organizations, home health care and other settings.
Diabetic Neuropathy
Condition that occurs when nerves are damaged. Nerve problems can develop in every organ system including the heart, digestive tract and sex organs. Symptoms include numbness, a tingling sensation and pain in the hands, arms, legs and feet. Some people with nerve damage have no symptoms. Having diabetes increases your risk of neuropathy due to prolonged exposure to high blood glucose (sugar) levels.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Disease that affects the eye caused by damage to the small blood vessels in the retina. This may result in partial or total vision loss.
Dilated Eye Exam
Eye exam performed by an eye care specialist in which the pupil is temporarily enlarged with eye drops to allow the doctor to see the inside of the eye. The retina, optic nerve and blood vessels at the back of the eye are inspected using a bright light to check for signs of diabetic eye disease.
Glucagon
Hormone produced by the pancreas in order to raise blood glucose (sugar).
Hyperglycemia
Elevated levels of glucose (sugar) in the bloodstream which occurs when the body has too little insulin or can’t use the insulin properly. Untreated hyperglycemia can lead to an even more serious condition called ketoacidosis.
Hypoglycemia
Low levels of glucose (sugar) in the bloodstream. Common symptoms of hypoglycemia include shakiness, dizziness, pale skin color, sweating, hunger and rapid heart beat. If left untreated, it may progress to confusion, visual disturbances, seizures or loss of consciousness, though uncommon.
Insulin
Hormone produced by the pancreas that helps the body use glucose (sugar) for energy.
Microalbumin Test
Test that checks urine for a certain kind of protein called albumin. Normal, healthy kidneys prevent albumin from leaking into your urine. If albumin is found in your urine, it may suggest that your kidneys are damaged and not working properly.
Monofilament Test
A test that checks to see if the nerves in your feet are working properly. A monofilament is like a stiff piece of fishing line. You will be asked to close your eyes while the doctor presses the monofilament on the bottom of your foot. It will tell the doctor if you have normal feeling and sensation in your foot. The doctor may also use another type of test to check your nerves and reflexes.
Pre-Diabetes
Occurs when a person’s blood glucose (sugar) level is above normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. Not all people with pre-diabetes will develop type 2 diabetes. Weight control and an active lifestyle can help prevent this condition from worsening.
Type 2 Diabetes
Occurs when the body produces some insulin but fails to use it properly. The amount of insulin produced may be below normal. Lifestyle factors
such as inactivity and obesity are believed to be the main contributor in type 2 diabetes, although genetics may also play an important role. Most Americans with diabetes have type 2.
Type 1 Diabetes (previously called Juvenile Diabetes)
Occurs when the body fails to produce any insulin. Genetic factors are the main contributor. It is usually diagnosed in children and adolescents, however, adults can also develop this condition. 5-10% of Americans with diabetes have type 1.