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Outdated term for type 2 diabetes.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.
Healthy Diet and Exercise
A healthy meal plan is one of the most important things you can do to help control your diabetes. Eating healthy means choosing and preparing the right kinds of foods. A registered dietitian can help you to develop a meal plan that works for you.
Often people think that only sugary food or "sweets" cause blood glucose (blood sugar) to increase. In fact, almost all foods are broken down into glucose. That is why it is so important to understand how to balance meals so that your body is not overloaded by glucose.
Carbohydrates: Foods with carbohydrates, or "carbs," have the most effect on your blood glucose levels. Carbohydrates are found in starchy foods (like bread, cereal, potatoes, corn, rice, pasta) and in fruit, milk, yogurt, and sweets. Since many healthy foods contain carbohydrates, they are important to include in your diet.
Proteins: Protein is found mostly in animal products, nuts, some dairy products, and beans. Your body needs protein to work properly.
Fats: Choose healthier fats and limit high-fat foods to help reduce your risk of heart disease, a major threat for people with type 2 diabetes.
"Rate Your Plate" Test
Draw an imaginary line through the center of your plate, then draw a line to divide the top section into two.
American Diabetes AssociationWatch your portion size
Eating large amounts of foods that contain carbohydrates can cause higher after-meal blood glucose levels. Measure portions at home until you learn to estimate. Eating less can reduce your after-meal blood glucose and your weight. Talk to a registered dietitian or other diabetes educator about how many carbohydrates you should have at each meal.
| Using Hands to Estimate Portions | |
|---|---|
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1 cup = about the size of your fist |
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1/2 cup = about the size of your palm (without fingers) |
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1 Tablespoon = about the size of your thumb |
Develop an exercise plan
If you don't already have an exercise program, now is the time to start! Exercise, along with diet and medication, can help you control your diabetes in many ways. Be sure to consult with your healthcare professional before starting an exercise program.
Exercise is good because it has the following effects:
- Burns calories by making the body use glucose, which helps lower blood glucose levels
- May help you lose weight. Losing weight may make your body more sensitive to the insulin you produce
- Improves circulation
- Reduces stress
- Improves your mood
- Increases bone strength
- Lowers your risk of heart disease and cancer
- Helps lower cholesterol and blood pressure
You don't have to jog or attend aerobics classes to reap the benefits. Be more active at home, at work, and in your leisure time — it all counts. Think of ways you can spend less time sitting and more time moving. A pedometer or step counter is a great way to keep track of how many steps you take every day.
Setting your personal goals
Once you've made the decision to make healthy changes in your lifestyle, it is important to stay on track. Your healthcare professionals will help you set exercise, diet, medication, and general healthcare goals.
For a list of website links that can help you learn more about managing type 2 diabetes, click here.
