Ketones: Products created when fat is broken down to be
used for energy. The body normally gets rid of excess ketones
in the urine. However, if levels of ketones get too high, they
accumulate in the body and can lead to ketoacidosis, coma
and even death.
Lancet: A fine, sharp-pointed blade or needle for pricking the
skin, used to obtain a blood sample for blood glucose testing.
Lipids: Fats that are produced naturally in humans and
animals or that are added to certain foods. Abnormal levels of
certain lipids, such as cholesterol, triglyceride and trans fatty
acids, are risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.
Metabolic Syndrome: A combination of medical problems
that increase risk of heart disease and diabetes. People with
metabolic syndrome (also known as Syndrome X) have some
or all of the following: high blood glucose, high blood pressure,
abdominal obesity, low HDL (‘good’) cholesterol, high
triglycerides and insulin resistance.
Metabolism: The sum of all the chemical changes that take
place in the body that generate energy and allow tissues and
cells to grow, function, use nutrients and eliminate waste.
Morbidity Rate: The number of cases of a particular disease
occurring in a single year. Often expressed as “x cases per
1,000 people.”
Non-Insulin-Dependent Diabetes Mellitus (NIDDM):
The former term for type 2 diabetes. It is no longer used, as
many people with type 2 diabetes require insulin.
Obesity: An abnormal increase in the proportion of fat cells.
Obesity is often accompanied by other health problems and is a
major risk factor for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Pancreas: An organ in the digestive system that produces
several important hormones, including insulin and glucagon. It
also produces pancreatic juice containing enzymes that
help digestion.
Pancreas Transplantation: A surgical procedure that
involves replacing the pancreas of a person whose pancreas
is damaged (such as someone with diabetes) with a healthy
pancreas from a donor.
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