Diabetes Dictionary
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Abdominal Obesity: Elevated levels of fat stored around
the abdomen and waist. People with abdominal obesity are at
higher risk for diseases such as diabetes and atherosclerosis
(hardening of the arteries), which can lead to heart attack
and stroke.
Adult-Onset Diabetes: The former term for type 2 diabetes.
Although type 2 diabetes usually occurs in people over forty,
this term is no longer used because the disease is being
increasingly diagnosed in younger people, even adolescents
and children.
Aerobic Exercise: Any physical activity that increases
the heart rate. It strengthens the heart and lungs, increases
metabolism, tones muscles, reduces blood pressure and can
help with weight loss. In people with type 2 diabetes, it can
also help with blood glucose control.
Alpha Cells: Cells found in the islets of Langerhans in the
pancreas responsible for producing glucagon, a hormone that
causes blood glucose to rise.
Amputation: The surgical removal of a limb or part of a limb
or a body part (such as a breast). People with diabetes are at
increased risk of amputation as they often have nerve damage
in the legs and feet (diabetic neuropathy) and do not notice
cuts or blisters. The minor wounds can become infected and, if
they are not treated, can lead to gangrene, which may require
the affected area to be amputated.
Antibody: A protein produced by the body to fight off
foreign substances such as bacteria, allergens, viruses and
transplanted tissues or organs.
Beta Cells: Insulin-producing cells found in the Islets of
Langerhans in the pancreas.
Blood Glucose Metre/Monitor: A hand-held machine
designed to test blood glucose levels. A drop of blood
(usually from the fingertip) is placed on a small test strip that
is inserted into the metre. The metre displays the amount of
glucose in the blood. Blood glucose metres allow people with
diabetes to play an active role in monitoring and managing
their own blood glucose levels.
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