C-peptide
(see-peptide): “Connecting peptide,” a substance the pancreas releases into the bloodstream in equal amounts to insulin. A test of C-peptide levels shows how Read more»
calcium channel blocker
a drug used to lower blood pressure .
callus
a small area of skin, usually on the foot, that has become thick and hard from rubbing or pressure.
calorie
a unit representing the energy provided by food. Carbohydrate , protein , fat , and alcohol provide calories in the diet. Carbohydrate and protein have Read more»
capillary
(KAP-ih-lair-ee): the smallest of the body’s blood vessels . Oxygen and glucose pass through capillary walls and enter the cells. Waste products such as carbon Read more»
capsaicin
(kap-SAY-ih-sin): an ingredient in hot peppers that can be found in ointment form for use on the skin to relieve pain from Read more»
carbohydrate
(kar-boh-HY-drate): one of the three main nutrients in food. Foods that provide carbohydrate are starches , vegetables, fruits, dairy products, and sugars . Read more»
carbohydrate counting
a method of meal planning for people with diabetes based on counting the number of grams of carbohydrate in food.
cardiologist
(kar-dee-AH-luh-jist): a doctor who treats people who have heart problems.
cardiovascular disease
(KAR-dee-oh-VASK-yoo-ler) : disease of the heart and blood vessels ( arteries , veins , and capillaries ).
carpal tunnel syndrome
a severe disorder affecting the hand that may occur in people with diabetes ; caused by a pinched nerve.
cataract
(KA-ter-act): clouding of the lens of the eye.
CDE
Abbreviation for Certified Diabetes Educator
cerebrovascular disease
(seh-REE-broh-VASK-yoo-ler): damage to blood vessels in the brain. Vessels can burst and bleed or become clogged with fatty deposits. When blood flow is interrupted, Read more»
certified diabetes educator (CDE)
a health care professional with expertise in diabetes education who has met eligibility requirements and successfully completed a certification exam. See diabetes educator Read more»
Charcot’s foot
(shar-KOHZ) a condition in which the joints and soft tissue in the foot are destroyed; it results from damage to the nerves. Read more»
cheiroarthropathy
(KY-roh-ar-THRAHP-uh-thee): see limited joint mobility .
cheiropathy
(ky-RAH-puh-thee): see limited joint mobility .
chlorpropamide
(klor-PROH-pah-mide): an oral medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes . It lowers blood glucose levels by helping the pancreas make more insulin and by helping the body better use Read more»
cholesterol
(koh-LES-ter-all): a type of fat produced by the liver and found in the blood; it is also found in some foods. Cholesterol is used Read more»
circulation
the flow of blood through the body’s blood vessels and heart.
clinical trial
a scientifically controlled study carried out in people, usually to test the effectiveness of a new treatment.
coma
a sleep-like state in which a person is not conscious. May be caused by hyperglycemia (high blood glucose ) or hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) in people Read more»
combination oral medicines
a pill that includes two or more different medicines. See Glucovance .
combination therapy
the use of different medicines together ( oral hypoglycemic agents or an oral hypoglycemic agent and insulin ) to manage the blood glucose levels of people with type 2 diabetes . Read more»
complete proteins
a source of protein that contains an adequate proportion of all of the essential amino acids for the dietary needs of humans Read more»
complications
harmful effects of diabetes such as damage to the eyes, heart, blood vessels , nervous system, teeth and gums, feet and skin, or kidneys . Read more»
congenital defects
(kun-JEN-ih-tul) problems or conditions that are present at birth.
congestive heart failure
loss of the heart’s pumping power, which causes fluids to collect in the body, especially in the feet and lungs.
conventional therapy
a term used in clinical trials where one group receives treatment for diabetes in which A1C and blood glucose levels are kept at levels based on Read more»
coronary artery disease
Alternate name for Coronary Heart Disease .
coronary heart disease
(KOR-uh-ner-ee) heart disease caused by narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. If the blood supply is cut off the Read more»
creatinine
(kree-AT-ih-nin): a waste product from protein in the diet and from the muscles of the body. Creatinine is removed from the body by Read more»
