Getting to know that you have diabetes can be overwhelming. Though diabetes isn’t really what you would call a life threatening condition, you know you will have to make some lifestyle changes for the rest of your life.
You may also have to get periodic check-ups and will have to be on some medications. If you’re particularly new to diabetes, here are a few common terms related to the condition that you may come across, explained in a simple and easy manner.
Blood Glucose Monitoring
This term is generally used to define a simple test that checks the amount of glucose in the blood, using a tiny drop of the blood.
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is an eye disease that occurs in diabetics. This happens when the small blood vessels of the retina swell and start leaking liquid into the retina, which causes blurring of vision, and may also lead to blindness.
Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes is a form of temporary diabetes that affects women during pregnancy. It usually subsides after the baby us delivered, however, some women may develop type 2 diabetes later in life.
Hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia is a term used to define high blood sugar levels. It is usually characterized by thirst, frequent urination, loss of weight etc.
Glucagon
Glucagon is the hormone that is injected into patients suffering from diabetes in an attempt to raise their blood glucose levels (in cases where the levels go down drastically).
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is a term used to define low blood sugar levels. Severe hypoglycaemia may give rise to a variety of symptoms ranging from dizziness to seizures.
Ketones
Ketones are chemical substances which are released by the body when there is a lack of insulin. Build up of ketones can give rise to serious illnesses and even coma.
Ketoacidosis
This is a term for a condition caused by an infection, where the body begins to break down muscle or fat for energy, and ketones start to get released into the blood and urine. This is usually found in patients having too little insulin.
Insulin
Insulin is the hormone produced by the pancreas that helps the body use glucose for energy. Patients suffering from diabetes tend to lack on this hormone, or their bodies become insensitive to the same.
Nephropathy
Nephropathy is kidney disease occurring due to diabetes that is characterized by the spilling of protein into the urine. If left to progress over time, it may also result in significant kidney damage.
Neuropathy
Simply put, neuropathy is nerve damage that occurs due to diabetes. This usually occurs in the hands and feet, and affects many major organs as well.
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