Diabetes related terms
Hyperglycemia
excessive glucose circulating around in the blood
Glucagon
A hormone released by the Alpha cells in the Pancreas that move stored glucose out of the liver and into the bloodstream; raises blood glucose levels.
Insulin
A hormone released by the Beta cells in the Pancreas that helps glucose get into the cells of the body; lowers blood glucose levels
Diabetes
Endocrine disorder that disrupts glucose metabolism
glucose metabolism
The process by which cells use glucose for energy; insulin is a necessary hormone for this process
Pancreas
organ that has both endocrine and digestive functions; produces and releases insulin and glucagon
Glycogen
stored glucose in the liver; released when blood glucose is too low
Hypoglycemia
abnormally low level of glucose circulating around in the blood
insulin resistance
a condition in which the insulin receptors on the cells do not respond to insulin and therefore glucose cannot enter the cells; primary cause of Type 2
Endocrine System
a group of glands and cells that produce and secrete hormones that the body uses for a wide range of functions.
Hormones
chemicals that are made by endocrine glands, released into the bloodstream, and travel through the body to other cells where they have a biological effect.
Glucose
primary source of energy for the cells of the body; needs insulin to get into the cells
Homeostasis
the ability or tendency of the body to maintain a stable or balanced internal state
blood glucose levels
the amount of glucose floating in the bloodstream; aka blood sugar level
autoimmune process
the immune system attacks healthy cells in the body; primary cause of Type 1 Diabetes