Diabetes Mellitus - a chronic disorder characterized by high blood glucose (sugar) levels. The regulation of blood sugar is awry in diabetes. Occurs in all groups and ages, with a high percentage in certain groups (Native Americans, African Americans and Hispanics), usually classified as either Type 1 or Type 2.
- Type 1 - auto-immune in nature. Characterized by a severe lack of insulin production from the beta islet pancreas cells. Individuals with Type 1 diabetes require daily insulin replacement and are prone to ketone production during times of stress/illness or lack of adequate insulin.
- Type 2 - often hereditary in nature, this type of diabetes may be characterized by insulin resistance as well as an eventual decrease in insulin production. Persons with Type 2 diabetes may respond initially to changes in diet and exercise but most likely will require oral medications or insulin to achieve necessary control of glucose (sugar) levels.
Glucose - the type of sugar the body uses to provide energy for its cells. Glucose is not only provided by the foods (especially carbohydrates) that we consume but is also produced by our liver cells.
Endocrinologist - an M.D. specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the endocrine glands. (thyroid, pituitary, adrenals, pancreas)
Opthalmologist - an M.D. specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the eye.
Retinal specialist - an ophthalmologist (M.D.) who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of retinal eye diseases.
Retina - the area in the back of the eye which contains a layer and pattern of blood vessels. Individuals with diabetes need a yearly, dilated eye exam to detect abnormalities or changes in the health of the retinal blood vessels.
Podiatrist (D.P.M.) - a health professional (Doctor of Podiatric Medicine) specializing in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of foot diseases. Podiatrists are a valuable member of the health care team for individuals with diabetes.
C.D.E. (Certified Diabetes Educator) - a health professional (M.D., R.N., R.D., M.S.W., or pharmacist) who has documented expertise in the area of diabetes education. A C.D.E. must pass a comprehensive written examination every five years to maintain certification.
Hemoglobin A1C (glycosylated hemoglobin) - a blood test that measures the amount of glucose that has adhered to the hemoglobin cell. This provides a picture of the level of glucose control over the past two months.
Cholesterol - a waxy material found in animal tissue that is used by the body as part of hormones. High levels of cholesterol, especially LDL cholesterol, are a factor in heart disease because they are a part of the deposits within the blood vessel walls called plaque.
HDL cholesterol - commonly referred to as "good" cholesterol. High levels of HDL cholesterol help to keep the lining of the blood vessel walls "clean" and may be protective against heart disease.
LDL cholesterol - often referred to as "bad" cholesterol since it is responsible for plaque accumulation within the blood vessel wall lining. It is recommended that people with diabetes have an LDL cholesterol level less than 100 mg/dl.
Triglycerides - particles of fats circulating in the blood. High levels of triglycerides may accompany poorly controlled diabetes and may play a role in the development of heart disease.
Neuropathy - damage to the nerve fibers that may be the result of poorly controlled diabetes. Symptoms of early, diabetes related neuropathy may be feelings of numbness and tingling. Maintaining good blood sugar control greatly reduces the risk of this long-term diabetes complication.
Retinopathy - damage to the blood vessels of the retina due to uncontrolled blood glucose (sugar) levels. Maintaining "tight" glucose control and blood pressure control and having a yearly, dilated eye exam are important measures to prevent diabetes related eye disease.
Nephropathy - damage to the small blood vessels that make up the filtering portion of the kidneys due to uncontrolled blood glucose (sugar) levels. The earliest way to detect these early signs of change is to monitor microalbumin levels in the urine. "Tight" glucose control and blood pressure control are essential in preventing and treating kidney changes in diabetes.
Microalbuminuria - a small protein particle that can be measured in the urine. A higher than normal level of microalbumin in the urine is an early indication of diabetic kidney changes. Detecting kidney changes at this early phase allows for treatment and prevention of more serious kidney damage (nephropathy). A microalbumin urine test should be obtained yearly for people with diabetes. | 
