Medical Terms Week 1: Diabetes

diabetes mellitus (DM)

A common, complex, chronic condition in which the ability to produce or utilize the hormone insulin is impaired, resulting in impaired glucose metabolism; can affect many body systems.

diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)

A severe acute complication of diabetes; characterized by uncontrolled hyperglycemia, metabolic acidosis, and increased production of ketones.

diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN)

Progressive deterioration of nerve function with the loss of sensory perception.

gastroparesis

A delay in gastric emptying.

glucagon

A hormone produced by the pancreatic alpha cells that stimulates conversion of glycogen stored in the liver into glucose; it is important in glucose regulation and has balancing actions opposite those of insulin and prevents hypoglycemia.

gluconeogenesis

Conversion of protein substances into glucose.

glucose regulation (also known as glucose management)

Process of maintaining blood glucose levels.

glycogenesis

Production and storage of glycogen.

glycogenolysis

Breakdown of stored glycogen into glucose.

glycosylated hemoglobin (A1C)

A standardized test that measures how much glucose attaches to the hemoglobin molecule; it is used to indicate effectiveness of blood glucose control measures.

hyperglycemia

Higher-than-normal (or target) blood glucose.

hyperglycemic-hyperosmolar state (HHS)

A severe acute hyperosmolar (increased blood osmolarity) state caused by severe dehydration and hyperglycemia.

hyperinsulinemia

Chronically high blood insulin levels.

hypoglycemia

Lower-than-normal (or target) blood glucose level.

ketogenesis

Conversion of fats to acid products.

ketone bodies (“ketones”)

The acidic by-product formed when there is a lack of insulin and fatty acids are utilized as energy, leading to the acid-base balance problem of metabolic acidosis.

Kussmaul respiration

A deep and rapid respiratory pattern triggered by acidosis to reduce blood hydrogen ion concentration by “blowing off” carbon dioxide; can occur in patients with severe DKA.

lipolysis

Breakdown of body fats.

metabolic syndrome

Simultaneous presence of metabolic factors that increase risk for developing type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease.

proliferative diabetic retinopathy

Growth of new fragile retinal blood vessels (neovascularization) that bleed easily and obscure vision.

proteolysis

Breakdown of body proteins.