Terms You Should Know About Diabetes

Autoimmune Process

When the body’s immune system attacks and destroys body tissue mistaken to be foreign matter.

Beta Cells

Create insulin in the pancreas.

Bladder

A hollow organ where urine drains form the kidney.

Blood Glucose

The main sugar that the body makes from food – cells need insulin to help break down glucose.

Blood Pressure

The pressure of the blood forced against the artery walls.

Calluses

Thick skin usually caused by friction and pressure

Carbohydrates

Starches that usually come from plants.

Cholesterol

Similar to fat found in blood, muscles, liver, brain and other various tissues.

Gestational Diabetes

A certain type of diabetes that form in pregnant women.

Glucose

A source of energy and a sugar in blood.

High Blood Glucose

When blood glucose levels are too high.

High Blood Pressure

When blood flows through the arteries with too much force or power.

Hypoglycemia

When the blood sugar is lower than normal.

Insulin

Helps the glucose enter tissues in the body.

Obesity

A massive amount of fat in the body.

Pancreas

A gland behind the stomach that creates insulin and digestive enzymes.

Sources Defeat Diabetes American Diabetes Association Web MD