glycemic response
the effect of different foods on blood glucose (sugar) levels over a period of time. Researchers have discovered that some kinds of foods may raise blood glucose levels more quickly than other foods containing the same amount of carbohydrates.
gestation
the length of a pregnancy.
gene
a basic unit of heredity. Genes are made of DNA, a substance that tells cells what to do and when do do it. The information in the genes is passed from the parent to child-for example, a gene might tell some cells to make the hair red or the eyes brown.
gram
a unit of weight in the metric system. An ounce equals 28 grams. In some meal plans for people with diabetes, the suggested amounts of food are given in grams.
Glyset
see miglitol.
Glynase PresTab
see glyburide.
glycosylated hemoglobin
see A1C
glycemic index
(gly-SEE-mik) (GI):
a ranking of carbohydrate-containing foods, based on the food`s effect on blood glucose compared with a standard reference food.
glyburide
(GLY-buh-ride):
an oral medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes. It lowers blood glucose 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 names: DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase; ingredient in Glucovance.)
Glucovance
an oral medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is a combination of glyburide and metformin.
Glucotrol, Glucotrol XL
see glipizide.
glucose tolerance test
glucose
glucose, or commonly referred to as blood sugar, is the form of energy circulating in the blood stream. Blood glucose is the end result of digestion, absorption and metabolism of food.
Glucophage, Glucophage XR
see metformin.
glucagon
(GLOO-kah-gahn):
a hormone produced by the alpha cells in the pancreas. It raises blood glucose. An injectable form of glucagon, available by prescription, may be used to treat severe hypoglycemia.
glomerulus
(glo-MEHR-yoo-lus):
a tiny set of looping blood vessels in the kidney where the blood is filtered and waste products are removed.
glomerular filtration rate
(glo-MEHR-yoo-lur) :
measure of the kidney`s ability to filter and remove waste products.
glipizide
(GLIH-pih-zide):
an oral medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes. It lowers blood glucose 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 names: Glucotrol, Glucotrol XL.)
glimepiride
(gly-MEH-per-ide):
an oral medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes. It lowers blood glucose 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: Amaryl).
glaucoma
(glaw-KOH-muh):
an increase in fluid pressure inside the eye that may lead to loss of vision.
glargine insulin
(GLAR-jeen):
very-long-acting insulin. On average, glargine insulin starts to lower blood glucose levels within 1 hour after injection and keeps working evenly for 24 hours after injection.
gangrene
(GANG-green):
the death of body tissue, most often caused by a lack of blood flow and infection. It can lead to amputation.
gland
a group of cells that secrete substances. Endocrine glands secrete hormones. Exocrine glands secrete salt, enzymes, and water.
gingivitis
(JIN-jih-VY-tis):
a condition of the gums characterized by inflammation and bleeding.
gestational diabetes mellitus
(jes-TAY-shun-ul MELL-ih-tus) (GDM):
a type of diabetes mellitus that develops only during pregnancy and usually disappears upon delivery, but increases the risk that the mother will develop diabetes later. GDM is managed with meal planning, activity, and, in some cases, insulin.
Reported rates of gestational diabetes range from 2 to 10 percent of pregnancies. Five-10 percent of women with gestational diabetes are found to have type 2 diabetes immediately after birth. Women who have had gestational diabetes have a 35 -60 percent chance of developing diabetes in the next 10-20 years. .
New diagnostic criteria for gestational diabetes will increase the proportion of women diagnosed with gestational diabetes. It is estimated that 18 percent of all pregnancies are affected by gestational diabetes.
gastroparesis
(gas-tro-puh-REE-sis):
a form of neuropathy that affects the stomach. Digestion of food may be incomplete or delayed, resulting in nausea, vomiting, or bloating, making blood glucose control difficult.