Untitled Flashcards Set

Diabetes

A chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood due to insufficient insulin production or resistance to insulin.

Type 1 Diabetes

A form of diabetes that occurs when the body does not produce insulin, often identified in childhood or adolescence.

Type 2 Diabetes

A form of diabetes that occurs when the body develops insulin resistance, typically associated with obesity and lifestyle factors.

Insulin

A hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels.

Genetics

The study of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics.

Gene

A unit of heredity that is transferred from a parent to offspring and determines some characteristic of the offspring.

Chromosome

A long DNA molecule with part or all of the genetic material of an organism.

Genetic Disorder

A disease caused by mutations in one or more genes.

Heart Anatomy

The structure of the heart, including the four chambers (left atrium, left ventricle, right atrium, right ventricle) and associated valves.

Blood Flow Pathway

The route that blood takes through the heart, lungs, and body, including pulmonary and systemic circuits.

Coronary Arteries

Blood vessels that supply blood to the heart muscle.

Atherosclerosis

A condition where arteries become narrowed due to the buildup of plaque, increasing risk of heart disease.

Cardiovascular System

The system responsible for the circulation of blood and lymph through the body.

HIPAA

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, legislation that provides data privacy and security provisions for safeguarding medical information.

HIPAA Violation

A breach of the regulations set forth by HIPAA that can result in unauthorized access or disclosure of protected health information.

Protected Health Information (PHI)

Any individually identifiable health information that relates to a person's health status, provision of healthcare, or payment for healthcare.

Compliance

The act of adhering to and following laws, regulations, and guidelines, particularly in a healthcare context.

Medical Ethics

A system of moral principles that apply values and judgments to the practice of medicine.

Informed Consent

The process by which a patient gives permission for treatment after being informed of its risks, benefits, and alternatives.

Genetic Testing

A medical test that identifies changes in chromosomes, genes, or proteins to determine genetic disorders.

Insulin Resistance

A condition in which cells in the body do not respond effectively to insulin, often seen in Type 2 diabetes.

Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)

A blood test that measures the average level of blood sugar over the past 2-3 months.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

A serious diabetes complication where the body produces excess blood acids (ketones), often due to insufficient insulin.

Echocardiogram

An ultrasound test that uses sound waves to create images of the heart.

Arrhythmia

An irregular heartbeat that can lead to various heart conditions.

Lifestyle Modifications

Changes in daily habits, such as diet and exercise, to improve health outcomes, particularly for diabetes management.

Statins

Medications used to lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Public Health

The science of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities.

Patient Confidentiality

The ethical principle that a healthcare provider should keep a patient's personal health information private.