Diabetes Glossary

An agonist is a substance that binds itself to a specific receptor and produces a physiological effect

(al-BYOO-mih-NOO-ree-uh): a condition in which the urine has more than normal amounts of a protein called albumin. Albuminuria may be a sign of nephropathy ( kidney Read more»

(AL-fa) a type of cell in the pancreas . Alpha cells make and release a hormone called glucagon . The body sends a signal to Read more»

(AL-fa-gloo-KOH-sih-days) a class of oral medicine for type 2 diabetes that blocks enzymes that digest starches in food. The result is a slower and lower rise in Read more»

Brand name for glimepiride .

(AM-ih-lin): a hormone formed by beta cells in the pancreas . Amylin regulates the timing of glucose release into the bloodstream after eating by slowing the emptying Read more»

(a-my-AH-truh-fee): a type of neuropathy resulting in pain, weakness, and/or wasting in the muscles.

(uh-NEE-mee-uh): a condition in which the number of red blood cells is less than normal, resulting in less oxygen being carried to Read more»

(an-gee-AH-puh-thee): any disease of the blood vessels ( veins , arteries , capillaries ) or lymphatic vessels.

a medication that suppresses the appetite

a medication that suppresses the appetite

(AN-ti-bod-eez): proteins made by the body to protect itself from “foreign” substances such as bacteria or viruses. People get type 1 diabetes when their bodies make Read more»

substances that cause an immune response in the body. The body "sees" the antigens as harmful or foreign. To fight them, the Read more»

an oral medicine that lowers blood pressure ; ARB stands for angiotensin (an-gee-oh-TEN-sin) receptor blocker.

(ar-TEER-ee-oh-skluh-RO-sis): hardening of the arteries .