Diabetes Glossary

a drug used to lower blood pressure .  

a small area of skin, usually on the foot, that has become thick and hard from rubbing or pressure.  

a unit representing the energy provided by food. Carbohydrate , protein , fat , and alcohol provide calories in the diet. Carbohydrate and protein have Read more»

(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»

(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»

(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»

a method of meal planning for people with diabetes based on counting the number of grams of carbohydrate in food.

(kar-dee-AH-luh-jist): a doctor who treats people who have heart problems.  

(KAR-dee-oh-VASK-yoo-ler) : disease of the heart and blood vessels ( arteries , veins , and capillaries ).

a severe disorder affecting the hand that may occur in people with diabetes ; caused by a pinched nerve.  

(KA-ter-act): clouding of the lens of the eye.  

Abbreviation for Certified Diabetes Educator  

(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»

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»

(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»