Diabetes Mellitus and Blood Glucose Monitoring

Vocabulary and key clinical indicators for Diabetes Mellitus care and blood glucose testing procedures for nursing assistants.

Diabetes Mellitus

A chronic (long-term) metabolic disorder where the body cannot properly use or make insulin.

Insulin

A hormone that helps transport glucose (sugar) from the blood into the cells for energy.

Hyperglycemia

A condition characterized by blood glucose levels that are too high.

Type 1 Diabetes

An autoimmune condition where the body does not produce insulin; usually diagnosed in childhood and requiring lifetime insulin injections.

Type 2 Diabetes

The most common form of diabetes where the body does not use insulin effectively (insulin resistance).

Gestational Diabetes

A type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy and increases the risk of developing Type 2 later in life.

Polyuria

A common symptom of diabetes meaning frequent urination.

Polydipsia

A common symptom of diabetes meaning excessive thirst.

Polyphagia

A common symptom of diabetes meaning increased hunger.

Hypoglycemia

A medical emergency characterized by low blood sugar, with symptoms like sweating, shakiness, and irritability.

Fruity breath

A specific sign to monitor in patients experiencing hyperglycemia.

Neuropathy

Nerve damage caused by diabetes that can result in a loss of feeling in the feet (diabetic neuropathy).

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

A life-threatening short-term complication of diabetes that is more common in Type 1 patients.

Retinopathy

A long-term complication of diabetes involving eye problems that can lead to blindness.

Pancreas

An endocrine gland that produces insulin.

Blood Glucose Testing

A procedure used to measure the amount of sugar in the blood using a drop of blood, usually from the fingertip.

Normal Fasting Blood Glucose

$$70 \text{--} 100\text{ mg/dL}$$

Normal Blood Glucose (Before Meals)

$$70 \text{--} 130\text{ mg/dL}$$

Normal Blood Glucose (After Meals)

Less than $180 \text{ mg/dL}$

Glucometer

The blood glucose meter used to provide blood sugar readings.

Lancet

A needle device used to perform a fingerstick for blood glucose testing.

Critical Low Glucose Value

A blood glucose result usually below $70 \text{ mg/dL}$, indicating hypoglycemia.