Diabetes Terms

  • Acanthosis nigricans: A symptom of type 2 diabetes in which darkened, velvety patches of skin can be found in areas between other skin layers (such as at the nape of the neck or near the skin folds of the groin, armpits, or breasts).
  • Blood glucose: Main sugar found in the blood and the body's main source of energy. Also called blood sugar.
  • Blood lipids: Fats being transported in the blood, either attached to a protein, lipoprotein, or as free fatty acids.
  • Carbohydrate: One of three macronutrients found in food. Foods that provide carbohydrate are starches, vegetables, fruits, dairy products and sugars. One gram of carbohydrate provides four calories.
  • Carb Unit: Used with carbohydrate counting. One carb unit is equal to 15 grams of carbohydrate.
  • Casual blood glucose: Blood glucose level that is measured at any given time. People having a casual blood glucose test do not need to be fasting. Diabetes can be diagnosed if levels are above 200 mg/dL.
  • Diabetes: Condition in which the body either can't produce insulin or can't effectively use the insulin it produces, resulting in high blood glucose levels.
  • Diabetes medical management plan (DMMP)" An individualized diabetes management plan developed by a child's health care team to help meet the child's needs while at school.
  • Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA): A life-threatening condition that can develop when cells go for prolonged periods of time without being able to use glucose.
  • Estrogen: The primary sex hormone in females. It is essential for menstruation and reproduction.
  • Fasting blood glucose: Blood glucose level taken after fasting for 8-12 hours, usually in the morning.
  • Gestational diabetes: High blood glucose that develops during pregnancy.
  • Glucose: This is the main source of energy for the body.
  • Glucagon: Hormone that helps the liver release stored glucose into the blood.
  • Gluten: A protein found in wheat and foods containing wheat.
  • Hemoglobin A1c: A measure of blood glucose control over the past several months.
  • Hyperglycemia
    Blood glucose above the normal range.
  • Hypoglycemia: A potentially dangerous condition that occurs when blood glucose levels get too low.
  • Impaired glucose tolerance: A condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be considered diabetes. Also called pre-diabetes.
  • Insulin: A hormone released by the pancreas in response to increased levels of glucose in the blood.
  • Insulin resistance: When cells in the body become less responsive to insulin over time.
  • Ketone bodies: Substances that are made and used as an alternate fuel when the body's cells cannot use glucose.
  • Metabolic syndrome: A disorder in which several risk factors for heart disease are present at the same time.
  • Microalbuminuria: Protein in the urine.
  • Obesity: Defined as having a Body Mass Index of 30 or higher. To find your BMI use the following chart. To use the chart, find the appropriate height in the left-hand column.   Move across to a given weight. The number at the top of the column is the BMI at that height and weight. Read more about Body Mass Index from the CDC.
  • Oral glucose tolerance test: A test used to diagnose diabetes which involves drinking a glucose solution and measuring blood glucose levels every 30 minutes for 2 hours.
  • Overweight: Defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 25 and 29.9.  To find your BMI use the following chart. To use the chart, find the appropriate height in the left-hand column.   Move across to a given weight. The number at the top of the column is the BMI at that height and weight. Read more about Body Mass Index from the CDC.
  • PCOS: Acronym for Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, a metabolic disorder in females that results in a hormonal imbalance.
  • Pre-diabetes: A condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be considered diabetes. Also called impaired glucose tolerance.
  • Progesterone: A female sex hormone important for the regulation of ovulation and menstruation.
  • Protein: One of three macronutrients found in food. Foods that provide protein include dairy products, meat, poultry, seafood, legumes, and nuts. One gram of protein provides four calories.
  • Registered dietitian (RD): Food and nutrition expert who has met rigorous educational and professional nutrition training requirements. Often involved in diabetes management.
  • Testosterone: Sex hormone responsible for sexual maturation.
  • Thyroid: Gland located in the neck that helps regulate metabolism.