E

eAG: see estimated average glucose.

edema (eh-DEE-muh): swelling caused by too much fluid in the body.

electromyography (EMG) (ee-LEK-troh-my-OG-ruh-fee): a test used to detect nerve function. Electromyography measures the electrical activity generated by muscles.

EMG: see electromyography.

endocrine gland (EN-doh-krin) (gland): a group of specialized cells that release hormones into the blood. For example, the islets in the pancreas, which secrete insulin, are endocrine glands.

endocrinologist (EN-doh-krih-NOL-uh-jist): a doctor who treats people who have endocrine gland problems such as diabetes.

endogenous: Originating inside the body, for example: "endogenous insulin". Compare: exogenous.

end-stage renal disease (ESRD) (END-STAYJ) (REE-nuhl) (dih-ZEEZ): total and permanent kidney failure. When the kidneys fail, the body retains fluid, and harmful wastes build up. A person with ESRD needs treatment to replace the work of the failed kidneys.

enzyme (EN-zym): protein made by the body that brings about a chemical reaction-for example, the enzymes produced by the gut to aid digestion.

erectile dysfunction (ee-REK-tyl) (diss-FUHNK-shuhn): the inability to get or maintain an erection for satisfactory sexual intercourse. Also called impotence. For more information, see Sexual and Urologic Problems of Diabetes.

ESRD: see end-stage renal disease.

estimated average glucose (ESS-tuh-may-ted) (AV-ur-ij) (GLOO-kohss): also called eAG or average glucose; another way to report the results of an A1C test. The A1C test measures average glucose levels over the past 2 to 3 months. In the past, results were reported as a percentage. Results reported as an eAG are given as mg/dL, the same units used for self-monitoring of blood glucose with a blood glucose meter. For example, results of an A1C test can be reported as an eAG of 126 mg/dL, which is equal to an A1C value of 6 percent. For more information, see The A1C Test and Diabetes.

euglycemia (YOO-gly-SEE-mee-uh): a normal level of glucose in the blood.

exchange lists: one of several approaches for diabetes meal planning. Foods are categorized into three groups based on their nutritional content. Lists provide the serving sizes for carbohydrate, meat and meat substitutes, and fats. These lists allow for substitution for different groups to keep the nutritional content fixed.

exenatide (eks-EN-uh-tyd): an injectable medicine for diabetes that mimics the effect of incretin hormones, a type of gastrointestinal hormone. This medicine helps food move more slowly through the stomach and helps keep the liver from releasing stored glucose. (Brand name: Byetta.) For more information, see Incretin Mimetics.

exogenous: Originating outside the body, for example: "exogenous insulin". Compare: endogenous.

F

fasting blood glucose test (FASS-ting) (bluhd) (GLOO-kohss) (test): a check of a person's blood glucose level after the person has not eaten for 8 to 12 hours-usually overnight. This test is used to diagnose pre-diabetes and diabetes; it is also used to see whether people with diabetes are keeping blood glucose levels on target.

fat: 1. one of the three main nutrients in food. Foods that provide fat are butter, margarine, salad dressing, oil, nuts, meat, poultry, fish, and some dairy products. 2. excess calories are stored as body fat, providing the body with a reserve supply of energy and other functions.

Sources of fat

fluorescein angiography (flor-ESS-ee-in) (AN-jee-OG-ruh-fee): a test to examine blood vessels in the eye that is done by injecting dye into an arm vein and then taking photos as the dye goes through the eye's blood vessels.

focal neuropathy (FOH-kuhl) (noo-ROP-uh-thee): a type of neuropathy in which a single nerve or a group of nerves is affected, producing sudden weakness or pain.

fructosamine test (frook-TOHSS-uh-meen) (test): measures the number of blood glucose molecules linked to protein molecules in the blood. The test provides information about a person's average blood glucose level for the previous 3 weeks.

fructose (FROOK-tohss): a sugar that occurs naturally in fruits and honey. Fructose has 4 calories per gram.

G

GAD65 (GAD-SIKS-tee-FYV): see islet cell autoantibodies.

Galvus (GAL-vuss): Brand name of a diabetes medication, vildagliptin. See DPP-4 Inhibitors.

gangrene (GANG-green): the death of body tissue, most often caused by a lack of blood flow and infection. Gangrene can lead to amputation.

gastrointestinal (GASS-troh-in-TESS-tin-uhl): related to the stomach and intestines.

gastroparesis (GASS-troh-puh-REE-siss): 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.

gastropathy (gass-TROP-uh-thee): a form of neuropathy that affects the stomach. Symptoms may include nausea, discomfort, a feeling of fullness, and vomiting. The stomach may be delayed in emptying, called gastroparesis.

GDM: see gestational diabetes mellitus.

gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) (jess-TAY-shuhn-uhl) (DY-uh-BEE-teez) (MEH-luh-tuhss): a type of diabetes that develops only during pregnancy and usually disappears upon delivery, but increases the mother's risk of developing diabetes later in life. GDM is managed with meal planning, physical activity, and, in some cases, medication. For more information, see What I need to know about Gestational Diabetes.

GFR: see glomerular filtration rate.

gingivitis (JIN-jih-VY-tiss): a condition of the gums characterized by inflammation and bleeding.

gland: a group of cells that secrete substances. Endocrine glands secrete hormones. Exocrine glands secrete salt, enzymes, and water.

glaucoma (glaw-KOH-muh): an increase in fluid pressure inside the eye that may lead to vision loss.

glimepiride (gly-MEP-ih-ryd): an oral medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes. Glimepiride lowers blood glucose by helping the pancreas make more insulin and by helping the body better use the insulin it makes. Glimepiride belongs to the class of medicines called sulfonylureas. (Brand name: Amaryl.) For more information, see Sulfonylureas.

glipizide (GLIP-ih-zyd): an oral medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes. Glipizide lowers blood glucose by helping the pancreas make more insulin and by helping the body better use the insulin it makes. Glipizide belongs to the class of medicines called sulfonylureas. (Brand names: Glucotrol, Glucotrol XL.) For more information, see Sulfonylureas.

glomerular filtration rate (GFR) (gloh-MAIR-yoo-lur) (fil-TRAY-shuhn) (rayt): the rate at which the kidneys filter wastes and extra fluid from the blood, measured in milliliters per minute.

glomeruli (gloh-MAIR-yoo-ly): plural of glomerulus.

glomerulus (gloh-MAIR-yoo-luhss): a tiny set of looping blood vessels where the blood is filtered in the kidney.

glucagon (GLOO-kuh-gon): a hormone produced by the alpha cells in the pancreas. Glucagon raises blood glucose. An injectable form of glucagon, available by prescription, may be used to treat severe hypoglycemia.

Glucophage, Glucophage XR (GLOO-koh-fahj): see metformin.

glucose (GLOO-kohss): A simple sugar (monosaccharide); also known as D-glucose or dextrose. Part of the class of foodstuffs called carbohydrate. Cells use glucose as the primary source of energy.

glucose gel (GLOO-kohss) (jel): pure glucose in gel form used for treating hypoglycemia.

glucose tablets (GLOO-kohss) (TAB-lets): chewable tablets made of pure glucose used for treating hypoglycemia.

Glucose tablets

glucose tolerance test (GLOO-kohss) (TOL-ur-uhnss) (test): see oral glucose tolerance test.

Glucotrol, Glucotrol XL (GLOO-kuh-trohl): see glipizide. For more information, see Sulfonylureas.

Glucovance (GLOO-koh-vanss): the brand name of an oral medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes; a combination of glyburide and metformin. For more information, see Combination Diabetes Pills.

glyburide (GLY-buh-ryd): an oral medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes. Glyburide lowers blood glucose by helping the pancreas make more insulin and by helping the body better use the insulin it makes. Glyburide belongs to the class of medicines called sulfonylureas. (Brand names: DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase.) For more information, see Sulfonylureas.

glycemic index (gly-SEE-mik) (IN-deks): a ranking of carbohydrate-containing foods, based on the food's effect on blood glucose compared with a standard reference food.

glycemic load (gly-SEE-mik) (lohd): a ranking of a carbohydrate-containing food, based on the food's glycemic index and the amount of carbohydrate in a typical serving.

glycogen (GLY-koh-jen): the form of glucose found in the liver and muscles; the main source of stored fuel in the body.

glycosuria (GLY-koh-SYOO-ree-uh): the presence of glucose in the urine.

glycosylated hemoglobin (GLY-koh-SY-lay-ted) (HEE-moh-GLOH-bin): see A1C.

Glynase PresTab (GLY-nayz) (PRESS-TAB): see glyburide. For more information, see Sulfonylureas.

Glyset (GLY-set): see miglitol. For more information, see Alpha-Glucosidase Inhibitors.

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.

One slice of bread has 15 grams of carbohydrate.

H

HDL cholesterol (AYCH-DEE-EL) (koh-LESS-tur-ol): stands for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, which is a fat found in the blood that takes extra cholesterol from the blood to the liver for removal. Sometimes called "good" cholesterol. For more information, see What You Need To Know About High Blood Cholesterol.

heart attack: a condition in which the blood vessels to the heart become totally or partially blocked by fatty deposits. When the blood supply is cut off or reduced, oxygen and other needed supplies can't get through. Then heart muscle can die. Also called a myocardial infarction.

heart failure: a chronic condition in which the heart cannot pump blood properly.

hemodialysis (HEE-moh-dy-AL-ih-siss): see dialysis.

hemoglobin A1C test (HEE-moh-GLOH-bin) (AY-WUHN-SEE) (test): see A1C.

heredity (huh-RED-ih-tee): the passing of a trait from parent to child.

HHNS: See hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome.

high blood glucose (hy) (bluhd) (GLOO-kohss): see hyperglycemia.

high blood pressure: see hypertension.

high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HY-DEN-sih-tee) (LIP-oh-PROH-teen) (koh-LESS-tur-ol): see HDL cholesterol. For more information, see What You Need To Know About High Blood Cholesterol.

HLA: see human leukocyte antigens.

home glucose monitor (hohm) (GLOO-kohss) (MON-ih-tur): see blood glucose meter.

honeymoon phase: temporary remission of hyperglycemia that occurs in some people newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, when some insulin secretion resumes for a short time-for example, a few months-before stopping again.

hormone: a chemical produced in one part of the body and released into the blood to trigger or regulate particular functions of the body. For example, insulin is a hormone made in the pancreas that tells other cells when to use glucose for energy. Synthetic hormones, made for use as medicines, can be the same or different from those made in the body.

Humalog (YOO-muh-lawg): Brand name of an insulin product. See insulin lispro. For more information, see Types of Insulin.

Humalog Mix 50/50 (YOO-muh-lawg) (mix): Brand name of an insulin product. See pre-mixed insulin. For more information, see Types of Insulin.

Humalog Mix 75/25 (YOO-muh-lawg) (mix): Brand name of an insulin product. See pre-mixed insulin. For more information, see Types of Insulin.

human leukocyte antigens (HLA) (HYOO-man) (LOO-koh-syt) (AN-tih-jens): proteins located on the surface of the cell that help the immune system identify the cell either as one belonging to the body or as one from outside the body. Some patterns of these proteins may mean increased risk of developing type 1 diabetes.

Humulin (YOO-myoo-lin): Brand name of an insulin product. See pre-mixed insulin. For more information, see Types of Insulin.

Humulin 70/30 (YOO-myoo-lin): Brand name of an insulin product. See pre-mixed insulin. For more information, see Types of Insulin.

Humulin N (YOO-myoo-lin): Brand name of an insulin product. See NPH insulin. For more information, see Types of Insulin.

Humulin R (YOO-myoo-lin): Brand name of an insulin product. See regular insulin. For more information, see Types of Insulin.

hyperglycemia (HY-pur-gly-SEE-mee-uh): higher than normal blood glucose. Fasting hyperglycemia is blood glucose above a desirable level after a person has fasted for at least 8 hours. Postprandial hyperglycemia is blood glucose above a desirable level 1 to 2 hours after a person has eaten.

hyperinsulinemia (HY-pur-IN-suh-lin-EE-mee-uh): a condition in which the level of insulin in the blood is higher than normal. Caused by overproduction of insulin by the body. Related to insulin resistance.

hyperlipidemia (HY-pur-LIP-ih-DEE-mee-uh): higher than normal fat and cholesterol levels in the blood.

hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome (HHNS) (HY-pur-oz-MOH-lur) (HY-pur-gly-SEE-mik) (non-kee-TOT-ik) (SIN-drohm): an emergency condition in which one's blood glucose level is very high and ketones are not present in the blood or urine. If HHNS is not treated, it can lead to coma or death. For more information, see Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome.

hypertension (HY-pur-TEN-shuhn): a condition present when blood flows through the blood vessels with a force greater than normal. Also called high blood pressure. Hypertension can strain the heart, damage blood vessels, and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney problems, and death. Compare with hypotension. For more information, see What Is High Blood Pressure?

Checking blood pressure

hypoglycemia (HY-poh-gly-SEE-mee-uh): also called low blood glucose, a condition that occurs when one's blood glucose is lower than normal, usually below 70 mg/dL. Signs include hunger, nervousness, shakiness, perspiration, dizziness or light-headedness, sleepiness, and confusion. If left untreated, hypoglycemia may lead to unconsciousness. Hypoglycemia is treated by consuming a carbohydrate-rich food such as glucose tablets or juice. Hypoglycemia may also be treated with an injection of glucagon if the person is unconscious or unable to swallow. Also called an insulin reaction.

hypoglycemia unawareness (HY-poh-gly-SEE-mee-uh) (uhn-uh-WAIR-ness): a state in which a person does not feel or recognize the symptoms of hypoglycemia. People who have frequent episodes of hypoglycemia may no longer experience hypoglycemia's typical warning signs. For more information, see Hypoglycemia unawareness.

hypotension (HY-poh-TEN-shuhn): low blood pressure or a sudden drop in blood pressure. Hypotension may occur when a person rises quickly from a sitting or reclining position, causing dizziness or fainting. Compare with hypertension.

I

IA-2A (EYE-AY-TOO-AY): see islet cell autoantibodies.

IAA (EYE-AY-AY): see islet cell autoantibodies.

ICA512 (EYE-SEE-AY-FYV-WUHN-TOO): see islet cell autoantibodies.

ICA (EYE-SEE-AY): see islet cell autoantibodies.

IDDM (EYE-DEE-DEE-EM): insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Former term for what is now called type 1 diabetes

idiopathic (ID-ee-oh-path-ick): of unknown cause.

IFG (EYE-EF-JEE): see impaired fasting glucose.

IGT (EYE-JEE-TEE): see impaired glucose tolerance.

immune system (ih-MYOON) (SISS-tuhm): the body's system for protecting itself from viruses and bacteria or any foreign substances.

immunosuppressant (IM-yoo-noh-soo-PRESS-uhnt): a drug given to stop the natural responses of the body's immune system. Immunosuppressants are given to prevent organ rejection in people who have received organ transplants and to patients with autoimmune diseases.

impaired fasting glucose (IFG) (im-PAIRD) (FASS-ting) (GLOO-kohss): a condition in which a fasting blood glucose test shows a level of glucose higher than normal but not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. IFG, also called pre-diabetes, is a level of 100 to 125 mg/dL. People with pre-diabetes are at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) (im-PAIRD) (GLOO-kohss) (TOL-ur-uhnss): a condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but are not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. IGT, also called pre-diabetes, is a level of 140 to 199 mg/dL 2 hours after the start of an oral glucose tolerance test. People with pre-diabetes are at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Other names for IGT that are no longer used are "borderline," "subclinical," "chemical," or "latent" diabetes.

implantable insulin pump (im-PLANT-uh-buhl) (IN-suh-lin) (puhmp): a small pump placed inside the body to deliver insulin in response to remote-control commands from the user.

impotence (IM-puh-tenss): see erectile dysfunction.

incidence (IN-sih-denss): a measure of how often a disease occurs; the number of new cases of a disease among a certain group of people for a certain period of time.

incontinence (in-KON-tih-nenss): loss of bladder or bowel control; the accidental loss of urine or feces.

incretin mimetic (IN-krit-in) (mih-MET-ik): a type of injectable medicine for diabetes that mimics the effect of incretin hormones, a type of gastrointestinal hormone. This medicine helps food move more slowly through the stomach and helps keep the liver from releasing stored glucose. For more information, see Incretin Mimetics.

inhaled insulin (in-HAYLD) (IN-suh-lin): a type of insulin under development taken with a special device that enables the user to breathe in insulin through the mouth.

injection (in-JEK-shuhn): inserting liquid medication or nutrients into the body with a syringe.

injection site rotation (in-JEK-shuhn) (syt) (roh-TAY-shuhn): changing the places on the body where insulin is injected. Rotation prevents the formation of lipodystrophies.

injection sites (in-JEK-shuhn) (syts): places on the body where insulin is injected.

insulin (IN-suh-lin): a hormone that helps the body use glucose for energy. The beta cells of the pancreas make insulin. When the body cannot make enough insulin, insulin is taken by injection or other means.

insulin adjustment (IN-suh-lin) (uh-JUHST-ment): a change in the amount of insulin a person with diabetes takes based on factors such as meal planning, activity, and blood glucose levels.

insulin aspart (IN-suh-lin) (ASS-part): a rapid-acting insulin with an onset of 15 minutes, a peak at 30 to 90 minutes, and a duration of 3 to 5 hours. (Brand name: NovoLog.)

insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) (IN-suh-lin-duh-PEN-dent) (DY-uh-BEE-teez) (MEH-luh-tuhss): former term for type 1 diabetes.

insulin detemir (IN-suh-lin) (DET-ih-mihr): a long-acting insulin with an onset of 1 hour, no peak, and a duration of 20 to 26 hours. (Brand name: Levemir.) For more information, see Types of Insulin.

insulin glargine (IN-suh-lin) (GLAR-jeen): a type of long-acting insulin with an onset of 1 hour, no peak, and a duration of 20 to 26 hours. (Brand name: Lantus.) For more information, see Types of Insulin.

insulin glulisine (IN-suh-lin) (gloo-LY-seen): a type of rapid-acting insulin with an onset of 15 minutes, a peak at 30 to 90 minutes, and a duration of 3 to 5 hours. (Brand name: Apidra.) For more information, see Types of Insulin.

insulin infuser (IN-suh-lin) (in-FYOO-zur): a device for taking insulin in which a small tube is inserted just below the skin and remains in place for several days. Insulin is injected into the end of the tube.

insulin lispro (IN-suh-lin) (LISS-proh): a type of rapid-acting insulin with an onset of 15 minutes, a peak at 30 to 90 minutes, and a duration of 3 to 5 hours. (Brand name: Humalog.) For more information, see Types of Insulin.

insulinoma (IN-suh-lih-NOH-muh): a tumor of the beta cells in the pancreas. An insulinoma may cause the body to make extra insulin, leading to hypoglycemia.

insulin pen (IN-suh-lin) (pen): a device for injecting insulin that looks like a fountain pen and holds replaceable cartridges of insulin. Also available in disposable form.

insulin pump (IN-suh-lin) (puhmp): an insulin-delivering device about the size of a deck of cards that can be worn on a belt or kept in a pocket. An insulin pump connects to narrow, flexible plastic tubing that ends with a needle inserted just under the skin. Users set the pump to give a steady trickle or basal amount of insulin continuously throughout the day. Pumps release bolus doses of insulin at meals and at times when blood glucose is too high, based on doses set by the user.

insulin reaction (IN-suh-lin) (ree-AK-shuhn): when the level of glucose in the blood is too low (below 70 mg/dL). Also called hypoglycemia.

insulin receptors (IN-suh-lin) (ree-SEP-turz): areas on the outer part of a cell that allow the cell to bind with insulin in the blood. When the cell and insulin bind, the cell can take glucose from the blood and use it for energy.

insulin resistance (IN-suh-lin) (ree-ZISS-tuhnss): the body's inability to respond to and use the insulin it produces. Insulin resistance may be linked to obesity, hypertension, and high levels of fat in the blood.

insulin sensitivity: the amount that the blood glucose level is reduced by one unit of insulin.

insulin shock (IN-suh-lin shok): an outdated term for hypoglycemia.

insulin-to-carb ratio (carbohydrate ratio): the insulin-to-carb ratio is used to estimate how many units of insulin are needed to "cover" a specified number of carbohydrate grams. For example, if the insulin-to-carb ratio is 1:12, it indicates that 1 unit of insulin is needed per 12 grams of carbohydrate in order to maintain glucose levels in the target range. This term is used primarily with insulin pumps.

intensive therapy: a treatment for diabetes in which blood glucose is kept as close to normal as possible. Optimal blood glucose levels are reached through frequent injections of insulin or use of an insulin pump, meal planning, adjustment of medicines, and physical activity. People undergoing intensive therapy work closely with their health care team.

intermediate-acting insulin (IN-tur-MEE-dee-uht-AKT-ing) (IN-suh-lin): a type of insulin with an onset of 1 to 3 hours, a peak at 8 hours, and a duration of 12 to 16 hours. See NPH insulin. For more information, see Types of Insulin.

intermittent claudication (IN-tur-MIT-ent) (CLAW-dih-KAY-shuhn): pain that comes and goes in the muscles of the leg. This pain results from a lack of blood supply to the legs and usually happens when walking or exercising.

intramuscular injection (IN-truh-MUHSS-kyoo-lur) (in-JEK-shuhn): inserting liquid medication into a muscle with a syringe. Glucagon may be given by intramuscular or subcutaneous injection for hypoglycemia.

islet cell autoantibodies (ICAs) (EYE-let) (sel) (AW-toh-AN-tih-bod-eez): proteins found in the blood of people newly diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. They are also found in people who may be developing type 1 diabetes. The presence of ICAs indicates that the body's immune system has been damaging beta cells in the pancreas. The antibodies that are routinely tested for include IAA, IA-2A, ICA512, and GAD65 (also called GAD or GADA).

islets (EYE-lets): groups of cells located in the pancreas that make hormones that help the body break down and use food. For example, alpha cells make glucagon and beta cells make insulin. Also called islets of Langerhans.

islets of Langerhans (EYE-lets) (uhv) (LAHNG-ur-hahnz): see islets.

islet transplantation (EYE-let) (TRANZ-plan-TAY-shuhn): moving the islets from a donor pancreas into a person whose pancreas has stopped producing insulin. Beta cells in the islets make the insulin that the body needs for using blood glucose.

J

Janumet (JAN-yoo-met): the brand name of an oral medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes; a combination of sitagliptin phosphate and metformin. For more information, see Combination Diabetes Pills.

Januvia (juh-NOO-vee-uh): the brand name of an oral medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes, sitagliptin phosphate. See DPP-4 Inhibitors.

jet injector (jet) (in-JEK-tur): a device that uses high pressure instead of a needle to propel insulin through the skin and into the body.

juvenile diabetes (JOO-vuh-nyl) (DY-uh-BEE-teez): former term for insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), or type 1 diabetes.

K

ketoacidosis (KEE-toh-ASS-ih-DOH-siss): a metabolic state associated with high concentrations of ketones bodies; this high concentration can significantly acidify the blood. In people with diabetes, if the body produces insufficient insulin to slow this production of ketones, the result is called diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

ketone (KEE-tohn): a chemical produced when there is a shortage of insulin in the blood and the body breaks down body fat for energy. High levels of ketones can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis and coma. Sometimes referred to as ketone bodies.

ketonuria (KEE-toh-NYOO-ree-uh): a condition occurring when ketones are present in the urine, a warning sign of diabetic ketoacidosis.

ketosis (kee-TOH-siss): a ketone buildup in the body that may lead to diabetic ketoacidosis. Signs of ketosis are nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain.

kidney: one of the two kidney-bean-shaped organs that filter wastes from the blood. The kidneys are located near the middle of the back, one on each side of the spine. They create urine, which is delivered to the bladder.

Kidneys

kidney disease: see nephropathy.

kidney failure: loss of kidney function. See acute renal failure, chronic kidney disease, and end-stage renal disease.

Kussmaul breathing (KOOS-moul) (BREE-thing): the rapid, deep, and labored breathing of people who have diabetic ketoacidosis.

Diabetes Dictionary: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Modified from the dictionary at the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse
NIH Publication No. 10-3016
December 2009
http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/dictionary/index.aspx