Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes as discussed in the lecture.

Diabetes

A metabolic disorder where the pancreas cannot make insulin or the body cannot use insulin effectively, leading to high glucose levels in the blood.

Insulin

A hormone made by the pancreas that helps glucose enter cells for energy.

Type 2 Diabetes

Accounts for at least 90% of all diabetes cases and is characterized by insulin resistance and/or relative insulin deficiency.

Insulin Resistance

A condition where cells stop responding to insulin, requiring more insulin production from the pancreas.

Glycemic Index (GI)

A value assigned to carbohydrate-containing foods based on how quickly they increase blood glucose levels.

Glycemic Load (GL)

A measure that combines both the quantity and quality of carbohydrates in foods, calculated as GI x carbohydrate content per serving.

Prediabetes

A condition with blood glucose levels higher than normal but not yet high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes.

Fasting Plasma Glucose Test (FPG)

A test measuring blood glucose levels after fasting to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes.

Obesity

Excess body weight often associated with insulin resistance and an important risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes.

Metformin

The most common medication for type 2 diabetes that lowers blood sugar levels.