What are some medical terms pertaining to diabetes?

Here are some medical terms commonly used in the context of diabetes:

1. Hyperglycemia: This refers to elevated levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. It is a characteristic feature of diabetes when the body is unable to effectively utilize or produce insulin.

2. Hypoglycemia: This is the opposite of hyperglycemia and refers to abnormally low levels of glucose in the blood. Hypoglycemia can occur in people with diabetes who take insulin or certain diabetes medications, if their blood sugar drops too low.

3. Insulin: This is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate glucose levels in the body. People with type 1 diabetes are unable to produce insulin, while those with type 2 diabetes may have insulin resistance or impaired insulin production.

4. Glucagon: This is another hormone produced by the pancreas that counteracts the effects of insulin. It helps raise blood sugar levels when they drop too low.

5. HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin): This is a blood test that measures the average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. It is used to monitor long-term blood sugar control in people with diabetes.

6. Ketones: These are chemicals that are produced when the body breaks down fat for energy instead of glucose. Elevated ketone levels can indicate diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), a serious complication of diabetes that occurs when the body is unable to use glucose for energy and starts breaking down fat instead.

7. Diabetic retinopathy: This is a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes. It occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the small blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye.

8. Diabetic neuropathy: This is a condition that affects the nerves, particularly those in the extremities (feet, hands). High blood sugar levels can damage these nerves, leading to numbness, tingling, pain, and loss of sensation.

9. Diabetic nephropathy: This is a complication that affects the kidneys. High blood sugar levels can damage the small blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste products and regulate fluid balance.

10. Gestational diabetes: This type of diabetes occurs during pregnancy and usually resolves after the baby is born. It is caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy that can affect insulin sensitivity.