Glossary

Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors: Medicines that treat diabetes by slowing down the absorption of sugars from the intestine.

Beta cells: Cells that release insulin; found in the pancreas.

Biguanides: Medicines that lower the liver’s production of blood sugar and lower insulin resistance.

Ketoacidosis: When blood sugar level in a person with diabetes is high enough to threaten life and require emergency treatment. It happens when there is no insulin to provide sugar to cells. As a result, acid builds up in blood.

Gestational diabetes: High blood sugar level diagnosed during pregnancy. The condition usually goes away after delivery.

Glucose: A simple sugar found in the blood that is the body’s main source of energy.

A1C: Also called hemoglobin A1C or HbA1C or A1C, this is your average blood sugar level over a 2- to 3-month period.

Insulin: Natural hormone that helps the body’s cells use blood sugar for energy.

Insulin resistance: A leading cause of type 2 diabetes. It develops when the body does not respond to insulin as it should.

Neuropathy: Damage to the nerves of a person with diabetes. A risk factor for the disease is uncontrolled high blood sugar.

Pancreas: A large gland behind the stomach that makes and secretes insulin.

Retinopathy: Damage to the small blood vessels in the retina (back of the eye).

Sulfonylureas: Medicines that make beta cells secrete more insulin.

Thiazolidinediones: Medicines that lower insulin resistance in muscle and tissue.

Type 2 diabetes: The most common form of diabetes. It accounts for 90% to 95% of diabetes cases. In type 2 diabetes, the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin (insulin resistance) or the body does not produce enough insulin. Over time, high sugar levels build up in the bloodstream, resulting in the diagnosis of type 2 diabetes.