complete proteins
a source of protein that contains an adequate proportion of all of the essential amino acids for the dietary needs of humans or other animals.
carpal tunnel syndrome
a severe disorder affecting the hand that may occur in people with diabetes; caused by a pinched nerve.
clinical trial
a scientifically controlled study carried out in people, usually to test the effectiveness of a new treatment.
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 4 calories per gram, fat has 9 calories per gram, and alcohol has 7 calories per gram.
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 dioxide pass back from the cells into the blood through capillaries
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 diabetic neuropathy.
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.
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) :
cataract
(KA-ter-act):
clouding of the lens of the eye.
cerebrovascular disease
(seh-REE-broh-VASK-yoo-ler):
certified diabetes educator (CDE)
Find a certified diabetes educator here.
Charcot’s foot
(shar-KOHZ)
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 the insulin it makes. Belongs to the class of medicines called sulfonylureas. (Brand name: Diabinese.)
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 by the body to make hormones and build cell walls.
chronic
describes something that is long-lasting. Opposite of acute.
coma
combination oral medicines
a pill that includes two or more different medicines. See Glucovance.
combination therapy
complications
congenital defects
(kun-JEN-ih-tul)
congestive heart failure
conventional therapy
coronary heart disease
(KOR-uh-ner-ee)
C-peptide
(see-peptide):