| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Diabetes Pills |
Pills or capsules that are taken by mouth to help lower the blood glucose level. These pills may work for people whose bodies are still making insulin. |
| Diabetic Eye Disease |
A disease of the small blood vessels of the retina of the eye in people with diabetes. In this disease, the vessels swell and leak liquid into the retina, blurring the vision and sometimes leading to blindness. |
| Diabetic Ketoacidosis |
High blood glucose with the presence of ketones in the urine and bloodstream, often caused by taking too little insulin or during illness. |
| Diabetic Kidney Disease |
Damage to the cells or blood vessels of the kidney. |
| Diabetic Nerve Damage |
Damage to the nerves of a person with diabetes. Nerve damage may affect the feet and hands, as well as major organs. |
| Dialysis |
A method for removing waste from the blood when the kidneys can no longer do the job. |
| Dilated Eye Exam |
Eye drops are placed in the eyes to widen the pupils to see the retina better. The eye doctor will look for changes in the retina in the back of the eyes. |
| Diphtheria |
An acute, contagious disease that causes fever and problems for the heart and nervous system. |
| EKG |
A test that measures the heart’s action. Also called an electrocardiogram. |
| Erectile Dysfunction (ED) |
The inability to achieve an erection, and/or dissatisfaction with the size, rigidity, and/or duration of erections. |
| Fat |
One of three nutrients that supply calories to the body. |
| Flu |
An infection caused by the “flu” (short for “influenza”) virus. The flu is a contagious viral illness that strikes quickly and severely. Signs include high fever, chills, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, and headache. |
| Food Exchanges |
A way to help people stay on special food plans by letting them replace items from one food group with items from another group. |
| Gestational Diabetes |
A type of diabetes that can occur in pregnant women who have not been known to have diabetes before. |
| Gingivitis |
A swelling and soreness of the gums that, without treatment, can cause serious gum problems and disease. |