alpha cells: A type of cell in the pancreas called islets of Langerhans, alpha cells produce and release a hormone called “glucagon. Glucagon does the opposite of insulin, increasing the amount of glucose in the blood by releasing stored sugar from the liver.
Beta cells: A type of cell in the pancreas called the islets of Langerhans, beta cells produce and release insulin, which helps control the level of glucose in the blood.
Antibodies: Proteins that the body produces to protect itself from foreign substances, such as bacteria or viruses.
Antigens: Substances in the body that cause an immune response and can recognize substances or markers on cells; the body produces antibodies to fight antigens or harmful substances and try to eliminate them.
Arteries: Blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to other parts of the body. Arteries are thicker than veins and have stronger, more flexible walls than veins. In a process called “atherosclerosis,” plaques sometimes form inside the walls of arteries. These plaques can become weak and rupture, causing complications associated with diabetes, such as heart attacks and strokes.
Venous: The blood vessels that carry blood to the heart.
Basal rate: The amount of insulin needed to manage normal daily blood glucose fluctuations, and most people constantly produce insulin to control the blood glucose fluctuations that occur throughout the day. For people with diabetes, low levels of insulin given continuously through an insulin pump can mimic this normal phenomenon.
Vascular: associated with the blood vessels (arteries, veins, and capillaries) of the body.
Cardiovascular: related to the heart and blood vessels (arteries, veins, and capillaries).
Retina: The central part of the back wall of the eye that perceives light contains many small blood vessels that are sometimes damaged when you have diabetes for a long time.
Blood pressure: A measure of the pressure or force of blood against a blood vessel (artery). Blood pressure is recorded as two numbers. The first number or high value is called the systolic pressure and is the pressure inside the arteries measured when the heart beats and pushes more blood into the arteries. The second number is called the diastolic pressure and is the pressure in the arteries when the heart rests between beats. The ideal blood pressure for someone with diabetes (in a non-pregnant state) is 130/80 mmHg or lower.
Glucose: A simple sugar found in the blood that is the body’s main source of energy, also known as “dextrose.
Adrenal glands: Two endocrine glands located above the kidneys that produce and release stress hormones such as adrenaline, which stimulates carbohydrate metabolism. Norepinephrine, which raises the heart rate and elevates blood pressure; and corticosteroids, which control the way the body uses fats, proteins, carbohydrates and minerals and help reduce inflammation. They also produce sex hormones such as testosterone, and can produce dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and progesterone.
Pancreas: An organ located in the lower back of the stomach, about the size of a hand. The pancreas synthesizes insulin so the body can use sugar to produce energy.
Hormone: A chemical released from one organ or part of the body that is transported through the bloodstream to another part, where it helps control certain body functions. For example, insulin is a hormone synthesized by the beta cells in the pancreas that, when released, triggers other cells to use glucose to produce energy.
Glucagon: A hormone that raises glucose levels in the blood by releasing stored glucose from the liver. Glucagon is sometimes injected when someone loses consciousness (faints) due to low blood sugar. The injected glucagon helps raise the glucose level in the blood.
Acute: Sudden onset, usually severe; occurs over a limited period of time.