DiagnoseMeFirst icon Reference Banner

References

General Information

Diabetes Management

Diabetes Treatments

Eating Guide

Complications

People To Help You

Reference

Books
Journals
Diabetes Sites
Dictionary

News & Events

About Us

 

Low Glucose Revolution Book Cover
  The New Glucose Revolution - Managing PCOS
  A book for women of all ages (and men too).

Co-authored by Prof. Farid with Prof. Jennie Brand-Miller and Kate Marsh, The New Glucose Revolution - Managing PCOS is a total lifestyle approach to help you break the cycle, with advice on diet, exercise and medication from the experts. Take control with the low GI Index solution for optimum health. Click here to order.


  Books on Diabetes

 Source: American Diabetes Associations - http://www.diabetes.org/

    Back top

  Journals

  Modern Diabetes Management from Aventis

  Acta Diabetologica

  Canadian Diabetes

  Canadian Journal of Diabetes Care

  Clinical Diabetes

  Current Opinion in Endocrinology & Diabetes

 Diabetes

  Diabetes/Metabolism Reviews

  Diabetes & Metabolism Reviews

  Diabetes and Primary Care

  Diabetes Care

  Diabetes Digest

  Diabetes Forecast

Diabetes Metabolism Research and Reviews

Diabetes Obesity and Metabolism

Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice

Diabetes Reviews

  Diabetes Self-Management Magazine

  Diabetes Spectrum

  Diabetes Technology & Therapeutics

  Diabetic Foot

  Diabetic Medicine

  Diabetologia

  International Journal of Experimental Diabetes Research

  Journal of Diabetes and its Complications

  Journal of Diabetic Nursing

  Pediatric Diabetes

    Back top

  Other Diabetes Sites

 American Diabetes Association http://www.diabetes.org/

 Joslin Diabetes Centre http://www.joslin.harvard.edu/

 Diabetes UK http://www.diabetes.org.uk/

 Canadian Diabetes Association http://www.diabetes.ca/

 Children with Diabetes http://www.childrenwithdiabetes.com/

Children's Diabetes Foundation at Denver
777 Grant Street, Suite 302
Denver, CO 80203
(303) 863-1200
1-800-695-2873
(303) 863-1122 fax

  Junevnile Diabetes Research Foundation http://www.jdrf.org/

120 Wall Street
New York, NY 10005-4001
USA
1-800-JDRF-CURE (US)
212.785.9595

 Medicare : The official US government with Medical Care : http://www.medicare.gov/Health/Diabetes.asp

  Diabetes Insight at http://www.diabetic.org.uk/

  Insulin Dependent Diabetes Trust at http://www.traders.co.uk/insulintrust/

  International Diabetes Center (IDC)

International Diabetes Center's goal is to translate clinical research into practice. The Center is a renowned leader in professional and patient education and also one of the largest publishers of diabetes education materials. Whether at the Minneapolis headquarters or at one of the nationwide affiliates, the International Diabetes Center offers multiple programs that meet the needs of people with diabetes and their families, and professionals.

International Diabetes Center
3800 Park Nicollet Boulevard
Minneapolis, MN 55416
888 825-6315

http://www.idcdiabetes.org/

 International Diabetes Federation (IDF)

1 rue Defacqz
B-1000 Brussels
Belgium
Telphone: 32 2 538 5511
Fax: 32 2 538 5114
E-mail: idf@idf.org

International Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Diabetes (ISPAD)

ISPAD is committed to promoting optimal health, social welfare and quality of life for all children and adolescents with diabetes around the world.

http://www.ispad.org/

    Back top

    Dictionary

    To look up a word, use Find in your browser's toolbar or click on one of the following letters and scroll down to see all terms which begin with that letter.

    A

    B

    C

    D

    E

    F

    G

    H

    I

    J

    K

    L

    M

    N

    O

    P

    S

    T

    U

    V

    ADRENALIN is a hormone released by the body in reaction to stress. It prepares the body for "flight or fight."

    ADULT-ONSET DIABETES is the former term for non-insulin dependent, or type 2 diabetes. This term is no longer in use because, although this condition usually occurs after 45 years of age, it may develop much earlier.

    ALPHA CELLS are found in the Islets of Langerhans within your pancreas. They are responsible for producing glucagon, a hormone which causes an increase in the blood sugar level.

    AMPUTATION is the surgical removal of a limb or part of a limb. People with diabetes may be at increased risk for gangrene due to nerve damage in the legs and feet, which may require amputation.

    ANTIBODIES are proteins that the body produces to fight off foreign substances such as bacteria, viruses and transplanted organs.

    ANTIOXIDANTS are chemicals that are added to foods containing fat to prevent oxygen from combining with the fatty molecules. Oxidation would cause the fatty food to become rancid.

    ARTERIOSCLEROSIS is the hardening and narrowing of the arteries. This condition often occurs with aging, in hypertension and diabetes.

    AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE is a disorder in which a person's own antibodies destroy body tissues, such as the beta cells in the pancreas.

    BEEF-PORK INSULIN was a form of insulin derived from the pancreas of cows and pigs that is no longer available in Canada.

    BETA CELLS are found in the Islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. Their function is to produce insulin.

    BLOOD GLUCOSE METERS are hand-held machines designed to test blood glucose levels. A drop of blood from your finger is placed on a small strip of material, which is then inserted into the meter for analysis and the result is displayed. Blood glucose meters allow the person with diabetes to play an active role in monitoring their own blood glucose levels.

    BLOOD PRESSURE refers to the pressure exerted by blood flow on artery walls. A 120/80 reading is considered normal. High blood pressure (hypertension) can cause health problems such as heart attacks, strokes and kidney problems.

    BODY MASS INDEX (BMI) is a unit of measurement to describe weight in relation to height for people 20 to 65 years of age. It indicates whether a person's size is in the low, moderate or high zone for developing health problems. Values between 20 and 25 are associated with the lowest risk of illness. Values between 25 and 27 are considered to be in a "caution zone" and may be associated with health problems. Values below 20 or over 27 indicate that a person is at higher risk of illness.

    BUNION is a bulge on the first joint of the big toe caused by swelling under the skin as a result of chronic irritation and pressure from poorly fitting shoes.

    CALLUS is a common, usually painless, thickening of the skin on the feet or hands, at points of external pressure or friction.

    CALORIE is a measurement of the energy provided by food. The sources of calories in a diet are carbohydrate, protein, alcohol and fat.

    CAPILLARY is the smallest blood vessel. Capillary walls are so thin that oxygen and glucose can pass through them and enter the cells. Waste products, such as carbon dioxide, pass back into the bloodstream via the capillaries to be carried away and expelled from the body.

    CARBOHYDRATE one of the major sources of calories in the diet. It comes primarily from sugar (found in refined fruits and vegetables) and starch (found in grains and legumes). Carbohydrate breaks down into glucose during digestion and raises blood glucose levels.

    CATARACTS are a grey-white film that can cover the lens of the eye, obscuring vision. They tend to occur in people over 50 years of age, but can occur at a younger age and advance more rapidly in the presence of diabetes. If left untreated, cataracts can cause blindness.

    CHOLESTEROL is a type of fat which occurs naturally in our bodies and is also found in animal fats. Too much saturated fat and dietary cholesterol may be associated with arteriosclerosis.

    CHRONIC refers to a disease or disorder that is present over long periods of time often the remainder of a lifetime of an individual.

    COMA is a state of unconsciousness. In diabetes, it may result from a variety of causes including severe hypoglycemia or severe ketoacidosis.

    C-PEPTIDE is formed in the beta cells of the pancreas therefore a test of C-peptide levels indicates the amount of beta cell function occurring in the pancreas.

    CREATININE is a compound present in the muscles and blood that is passed in the urine. A "creatinine clearance test" is a diagnostic test for kidney function.

    DEHYDRATION is a state in which there is excessive loss of water from body tissues. It can occur when the blood sugar levels are high for long periods of time. It can also result from inadequate water intake, or excessive sweating, vomiting or diarrhea. Symptoms of dehydration can include extreme thirst, irritability, confusion and flushed, dry skin.

    DIABETIC RETINOPATHY is a disease in which the small blood vessels (capillaries) in the back of the eye (retina) may bleed or form new vessels. This condition usually occurs in people with long-standing diabetes. Regular eye examinations are an important part of diabetes management.

    DIABETES is a condition in which the body either cannot produce insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. (see Gestational Diabetes, type 1 Diabetes, type 2 Diabetes)

    DIABETES CONTROL AND COMPLICATIONS TRIAL (DDCT) was a nine year study designed to test whether persistently high blood sugar levels are related to the development of complications in people with type 1 diabetes. The results demonstrated that intensive treatment of individuals with type 1 diabetes can delay the onset and progression of long-term complications in people.

    DIALYSIS is a method of removing waste products and excess water from the body when the kidneys no longer function adequately.

    DIETITIAN is an expert in nutrition who can assist people plan the kinds and amounts of foods that promote a healthy lifestyle.

    EDEMA is the swelling or puffiness caused by fluid collecting in the tissues.

    ENDOCRINOLOGIST is a medical doctor who specializes in treating people who have problems related to their endocrine system, which includes diabetes.

    EPIDEMIOLOGY is the study of the occurrence, distribution and causes of diseases in mankind.

    FAMILIAL OCCURRENCE refers to the pattern of a disease within a family. Family and twin studies have shown that type 2 diabetes is far more likely to run in families than type 1 diabetes.

    FAT is the most concentrated source of calories in a diet. Saturated fats are found primarily in animal products and unsaturated fats come from plants. Excess intake of fat, especially saturated fat, can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

    FIBRE is a type of material within foods mainly found in vegetables, fruits and cereals that adds bulk to the diet aiding digestion.

    GANGRENE is the death of body tissues usually due to loss of blood supply to the affected area, followed by bacterial invasion.

    GESTATIONAL DIABETES develops during pregnancy due to a deficiency of insulin during pregnancy that disappears following delivery. Women who have had gestational diabetes are at a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

    GLUCAGON is a hormone produced by the pancreas that stimulates the liver to produce large amounts of glucose. It is given by injection for hypoglycemia and generally restores blood sugar within five to ten minutes.

    GLUCOSE is a simple form of sugar that acts as fuel for the body. It is produced during digestion of carbohydrate and carried to the cells in the blood.

    GLYCOGEN is the main carbohydrate storage material, which is stored in the liver and muscles for use when energy is required.

    GLYCOSYLATED HEMOGLOBIN
    (HbA1c) is a measure of your average blood glucose level over the past several weeks.

    HONEYMOON PERIOD is the period of time after the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes when the dose of insulin may need to be reduced due to remaining or recovered insulin secretion from the pancreas. This period can last weeks, months or years.

    HORMONES are the substances released into the bloodstream from a gland or organ. Hormones control growth and development, reproduction, sexual characteristics, blood sugar levels and influence the way the body uses and stores energy.

    HUMAN INSULIN is a bio-synthetic product that has the advantage of eliminating the allergic reactions that occur with the use of animal insulins and more closely matching insulin produced by the pancreas.

    HYPERGLYCEMIA (also HYPERGLYCAEMIA) is a condition caused by greater than normal levels of glucose in the blood.

    HYPERLIPOPROTEINEMIA is the presence in the blood of greater than normal amounts of certain lipids and other fatty substances in the blood.

    HYPERTENSION is the medical term for high blood pressure.

    HYPOGLYCEMIA (also HYPOGLYCAEMIA) is a condition in which blood glucose levels drop too low. Symptoms may include sweating, trembling, hunger, dizziness, moodiness, confusion blurred vision and hunger.

    IMPOTENCE is a form of sexual dysfunction in which a man is unable to obtain an erection.

    INSULIN is a hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas in response to increased levels of glucose in the blood.

    INSULIN LIPODYSTROPHY is the loss of fatty tissue that can occur as a result of repeated insulin injections in the same area.

    INSULIN PUMP is a portable, battery-operated device that delivers a specific amount of insulin through the abdominal wall. It can be programmed to deliver different doses at different times of the day, according to the body's needs.

    INSULIN RECEPTORS are areas on the outer walls of a cell that permit insulin to bind to the cell. When cells and insulin bind together, the cell is able to take glucose from the bloodstream and use it for energy.

    INSULIN SHOCK is another term used for hypoglycemia or low blood sugar (see hypoglycemia)

    ISCHEMIA is an inadequate supply of blood to body tissues or organs. It can occur if blood vessels are narrowed or constricted.

    ISLETS OF LANGERHANS are clusters of cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, glucagons and pancreatic polypeptide.

    JUVENILE-ONSET DIABETES is the former term for insulin-dependent, or type 1 diabetes.

    KETONES are chemicals produced by the liver when the body cannot use glucose and must break down fat for energy. Ketones can poison and even kill body cells. When ketones build up, the body gets rid of them in the urine. Ketones that accumulate in the body over long periods of time can lead to serious illness and coma.

    KETOACIDOSIS is a severe complication of diabetes that is the result of high blood sugar levels and ketones often associated with poor control of diabetes or as a complication due to other illnesses.

    LASER TREATMENTS are a recognized treatment for retinopathy that involves a source of intense radiation that targets damaged areas of the retina.

    mg/dL is the American abbreviated form of milligrams per decilitre, a term used to describe how much glucose is present in a specific amount of blood. To convert American mg/dl readings to the Canadian mmol/L, divide by 18.

    mmol/L is the abbreviated form of millimoles per litre, a term used to describe how much glucose is present in a specific amount of blood. To convert Canadian mmol/L to American mg/dl, multiply by 18.

    METFORMIN - What Does French Lilac to do with Diabetes? - Metformin is without a doubt the most commonly used medication for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes and more recently in the treatment of Insulin Resistance. It was first released in 1957, as a result of the work of Jean Sterne a French physician and clinical pharmacologist. French lilac has been used since medieval times in the treatment of many health problems, including what we now know to be Type 2 Diabetes. Extracts of the plants were still used to treat Diabetes in France in the 1930's.

    French Lilac (Galega officinalis) is rich in Guanidine, and although it reduces blood sugar it is just too toxic for clinical use, hence the synthesis of synthetic Giguanides. Further research has resulted in the synthesis and clinical use of Metformin.

    MORBIDITY RATE is the number of cases of a particular disease occurring in a single year often expressed as 'x cases per 1000'.

    MORTALITY RATE is the rate of people who die from a specific illness in relation to the total population. Mortality rates are usually expressed as the number of deaths per 1,000, 10,000 or 100,000 persons.

    NEPHROLOGIST is a medical doctor who specializes in the care and treatment of people with kidney diseases.

    NEPHROPATHY is any disease of the kidneys.

    NEUROPATHY is inflammation or degeneration of the peripheral nerves.

    OBESITY is an abnormal increase in the proportion of fat cells. Obesity is usually accompanied by other signs of poor health and is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes.

    OPHTHALMOLOGIST is a medical doctor who specializes in treatment and care of the eyes.

    ORAL AGENTS are medications, taken by mouth, for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

    ORAL GLUCOSE TOLERANCE TEST (OGTT) is a test of the body's ability to metabolize carbohydrate. It is performed by giving a standard dose of glucose and measuring the blood and urine for glucose at regular intervals.

    PANCREAS A fish-shaped grayish-pink nodular gland that stretches transversely across the posterior abdominal wall in the epigastric region that secretes various substances such as digestive fluid, insulin and glucagons. It is divided into a head, a body, and a tail, and is about 13cm long in adults.

    PDS Trials UK Prospective Diabetes Study was a 20-year trial which recruited 5,102 patients with type 2 diabetes in 23 clinical centres based in England, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

    PEDIATRICIAN (also PEDIATRIST) is a medical doctor who specializes in the care and treatment of children.

    PODIATRIST is a health professional who diagnoses and treats disorders of the feet.

    POST-PRANDIAL means "after mealtime".

    PROTEIN is one of the major sources of calories in a diet. Found in meats, eggs, milk and some vegetables and starches, protein provides the body with material for building blood cells, hormones and body tissue.

    SUGAR is a simple form of carbohydrate that provides calories and raises blood glucose levels.

    TYPE 1 DIABETES (or insulin-dependent diabetes) occurs when the pancreas no longer produces any or very little insulin. The body needs insulin to use sugar as an energy source. Type 1 diabetes usually develops in childhood or adolescence and affects 10% of people with diabetes.

    TYPE 2 DIABETES (or non-insulin-dependent diabetes) occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin to meet the body's needs or the insulin is not metabolized effectively. Type 2 usually occurs later in life and affects 90% of people with diabetes.

    UK PDS Trials UK Prospective Diabetes Study was a 20-year trial which recruited 5,102 patients with type 2 diabetes in 23 clinical centres based in England, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

    ULCER is a crater-like lesion of the skin or mucous membrane often as a result of inflammatory process.

    URINE TESTS measure substances, such as blood glucose or ketones, present in the urine.

    VASCULAR DISEASE is a disease of the blood vessels.

    Back top


Home | Polycystic Ovarian Disease

Disclaimer | Contact Us | Terms and Conditions | Privacy Statement

Date Updated: 27/06/2004
Copyright © 2002 DiagnoseMeFirst.com - All rights reserved.

1