A blood test that measures average blood glucose over the past 2 to 3 months.
Outdated term for type 2 diabetes.
A type of cell in the pancreas that makes and releases a hormone called glucagon.
Cells in the pancreas that make insulin.
The main sugar found in the blood and the body's main source of energy. Also called blood sugar.
The amount of glucose (sugar) in a given amount of blood. It is reported as the number of milligrams of glucose in a deciliter of blood, or mg/dL.
A hand-held machine that tests blood glucose levels. A drop of blood, obtained by pricking a finger, is placed on a small strip that is inserted in the meter which measures and displays the blood glucose level.
Checking blood glucose (blood sugar) levels on a regular basis in order to manage diabetes. A blood glucose meter is needed for frequent blood glucose monitoring.
One of the three main nutrients in food. Foods that provide carbohydrate include starches, breads, vegetables, fruits, milk products, and sugars.
A healthcare professional with expertise in diabetes education who has met eligibility requirements and successfully completed a certification exam.
An emergency condition in which extremely high blood glucose levels, along with a severe lack of insulin, result in the breakdown of body fat for energy and an accumulation of ketones in the blood and urine. DKA can cause nausea and vomiting, stomach pain, fruity breath odor, and rapid breathing. Untreated DKA can lead to coma and death.
The amount of a medicine to be taken within a given period.
One of the three main nutrients in food. Foods that provide fat include butter, margarine, salad dressing, oil, nuts, meat, poultry, fish, and some dairy products. Excess calories are stored as body fat, providing the body with a reserve supply of energy.
A specific, unchanging amount of a medicine.
A hormone produced by the alpha cells in the pancreas. Glucagon raises blood glucose by releasing glucose from liver. Glucagon is also available as an injectable drug for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia (low blood glucose).
The sugar that the body makes from the three elements of food — proteins, fats, and carbohydrates — but mostly from carbohydrates. Glucose is the major source of energy for living cells. Because glucose is carried to each cell through the bloodstream, it is often called "blood glucose" or "blood sugar."
Also called high blood glucose. Hyperglycemia can happen when the body does not have enough insulin or when the body can't use insulin properly. Symptoms may include excessive thirst, frequent urination, dry skin, blurred vision, and fatigue.
Also called low blood glucose. Symptoms may include sweating, trembling, hunger, dizziness, moodiness, confusion, and blurred vision.
A class of type 2 diabetes drugs that "mimic" the effects of naturally occurring hormones from the intestines and can help the body make more of its own insulin.
A hormone produced in the pancreas by beta cells, which is necessary for glucose (blood sugar) to be able to enter certain cells of the body and be used for energy.
Outdated term for type 1 diabetes.
The body's inability to respond to and use the insulin it produces. Insulin resistance may be linked to obesity, hypertension, and high levels of fat in the blood.
Chemical substances that are made by the body when fat is used as a fuel source instead of glucose. When ketones build up to a great extent in the body, serious illness or coma can result.
A large organ in the body that has many functions, including the production and storage of glucose.
Outdated term for type 2 diabetes.
The generic name for an oral anti-diabetic medicine (brand name: Glucophage®) that works by decreasing the amount of glucose that your liver makes on its own. It also works by making the cells in your body more sensitive to the insulin in your body.
An organ located behind the lower part of the stomach that produces the hormones insulin and glucagon, and releases them into the bloodstream to help control blood glucose levels. The pancreas also produces digestive enzymes.
One of the three main nutrients in food. Foods that provide protein include meat, poultry, fish, cheese, milk, dairy products, eggs, and dried beans. Proteins are also used in the body to build cells, to create insulin and other hormones, and other functions.
A container for disposal of used needles and syringes; often made of hard plastic so that needles cannot poke through.
A class of oral medicine for type 2 diabetes that lowers blood glucose by helping the pancreas to make more insulin. Examples include Amaryl® (glimepiride), Glucotrol® (glipizide), and Micronase® (glyburide).
A class of oral medicine for type 2 diabetes that helps lower blood glucose by making cells more sensitive to insulin. Examples include Actos® (pioglitazone) and Avandia® (rosiglitazone).
A condition characterized by high blood glucose levels caused by a lack of insulin production. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body's immune system destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. The pancreas then produces little or no insulin. Type 1 diabetes develops most often in young people but can appear in adults and affects 10% of people living with diabetes. People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin daily to sustain life.
A condition characterized by high blood glucose levels caused by either a lack of insulin or the body's inability to use insulin efficiently. Type 2 diabetes develops most often in middle-aged and older adults but can appear in young people, and is the most common form of diabetes.
The BYETTA By Your Side free support program was designed for people like you who are interested in gaining not only better control of their blood glucose (blood sugar), but also in gaining confidence and knowledge about living with type 2 diabetes.
When you join the program, we'll send you information about BYETTA, let you know what to expect from your therapy, and provide you with lots of tips and tools on how to manage your diabetes. We'll be sharing advice from individual experts — doctors, diabetes specialists, coaches, dietitians, and more. The idea behind this program is simple: the more you know, the more you can take charge of helping to control your condition.
Meet some of our experts
The BYETTA By Your Side team has an in-depth knowledge of type 2 diabetes and understands what you're going through. Some of these experts also understand type 2 diabetes firsthand, as they themselves have it.
Rollover name to view biography
Debbie Hinnen, ARNP, BC-ADM, CDE, FAAN
"Be flexible: If you come up with a new way of eating or an activity routine that's difficult for you, just change it. The important thing is to have a plan that works for you."
A diabetes educator for more than 30 years, Ms. Hinnen is a clinical nurse specialist and education program coordinator. She's a past president of the American Association of Diabetes Educators and was on the national board of directors for the American Diabetes Association.
Martha Funnell, MS, RN, CDE
"Set your goals according to what's important to you. That way you're more likely to achieve them."
A clinical nurse specialist, diabetes educator, and lecturer, Ms. Funnell has contributed to more than 85 publications in the field of diabetes. It is her goal to change the way people with diabetes are viewed, cared for, and educated.
Steven V. Edelman, MD
"Talk to your doctor about developing a personalized diabetes plan for your lifestyle and routine. It will be much easier for you to follow."
An internationally recognized diabetes leader, Steven V. Edelman, MD, is Professor of Medicine in the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism at the University of California, San Diego and Director of the Diabetes Care Clinic at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in San Diego.
William H. Polonsky, PhD, CDE
"Don't do diabetes alone. It makes it a lot harder to handle — better to reach out to people to root for you."
President and founder of the Behavioral Diabetes Institute, Dr. Polonsky is a licensed clinical psychologist, certified diabetes educator, and Associate Clinical Professor in psychiatry. He has written many articles and books, including Diabetes Burnout: What to Do When You Can't Take It Anymore.
You'll also hear from dietitians who will share some tips on healthy eating and portion control, you'll get advice on how small steps can make a big difference in keeping you physically active, and you'll hear from a psychologist who helps people find simple ways to overcome challenges to managing their type 2 diabetes.
