Copy of `Joslin - Medical terms`

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Joslin - Medical terms Category: Health and Medicine > Diabetic terms Date & country: 24/02/2017, USA Words: 110

Blood glucose
(or glucose) a type of sugar that is created when the carbohydrate that one eats is broken down in the body. During digestion, glucose passes through the wall of the intestine into the bloodstream to the liver and eventually into the general circulation. From there glucose can then enter individual cells or tissues throughout the body to be used for fuel and provide energy.

Blood pressure
the pressure against the walls of your blood vessels. High blood pressure is more common in persons with diabetes and increases the risk of stroke, heart attack, kidney and eye diseases. It should be measured at every doctor visit, or at least once a year, with a goal of 130/80 mm Hg or lower.

Basal insulin
the insulin that controls blood glucose levels between meals and overnight. It controls glucose in the fasting state.

Atherosclerosis
a process that involves thickening of the blood vessel walls thought to be related to inflammation of the vessel wall, which then leads to formation of plaques, causing partial blockages. If these plaques rupture, clots form on that rupture site, causing a more acute, total blockage. If the blood vessel is providing blood to the heart, the result would be a heart attack.

Autoimmune disease
disorder of the body’s immune system in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys body tissue considered foreign.

Antibodies
proteins that the body makes to protect itself from foreign substances such as bacteria and viruses.

ARBs
(angiotensin receptor blocker) a type of oral medication used to lower blood pressure.

Adult stem cell
a cell found in the different tissues of the body – such as blood, skin or muscle – that can renew itself and produce the specialized cells needed by that tissue (known as multipotency).

ACE inhibitor
(angiotensin-converting enzyme) a type of medication used to lower blood pressure and help treat kidney problems related to diabetes.

Acanthosis nigricans
a thickening and darkening of the skin in patchy areas in the skin folds of the armpits, neck, or groin, ranging from tan to dark brown. This is usually a sign of insulin resistance.