What it means
A chronic condition of high blood glucoseBLUD GLOO-kohsThe amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood at the time it is measured.Full entry . In type 1 diabetesTYPE WUN dy-uh-BEE-teezA form of diabetes in which the pancreas makes little or no insulin because the immune system has destroyed the cells that make it.Full entry the pancreasPAN-kree-usA long, flat gland behind the stomach that makes digestive enzymes and the hormones insulin and glucagon.pan- allcreas fleshFull entry makes little or no insulinIN-suh-linA hormone made by the pancreas that lets the body's cells take in glucose, also made as a medicine.Full entry ; in type 2 diabetestipe too dy-uh-BEE-teezA form of diabetes in which the body does not respond well to insulin and does not make enough of it to keep blood glucose normal.Full entry the body resists insulin and makes too little of it over time; gestational diabetesjes-TAY-shun-ul dy-uh-BEE-teezHigh blood sugar that first develops during pregnancy in a person who did not have diabetes before.gestat carrying a pregnancy-al relating toFull entry starts in pregnancy. Classic signs are thirst, passing a lot of urine and hunger. Over years, high glucose damages blood vessels and nerves in the eyes, kidneys, heart and feet.
For the nurse
Check blood glucose as ordered, watch for hypoglycemiahy-poh-gly-SEE-mee-uhA blood glucose level below normal, under 70 mg/dL.hypo- belowglyc/o sugar, glucose-emia in the bloodFull entry and hyperglycemiahy-per-gly-SEE-mee-uhA blood glucose level above normal, over 100 mg/dL when fasting.hyper- aboveglyc/o sugar-emia in the bloodFull entry , and teach diet, activity, medicines, glucose checks, foot care and sick-day rules. Look at the feet at every visit for cuts, sores and loss of feeling.
In a chart
"History of type 2 diabetes mellitus; A1C 8.4%; on metformin and basal insulin."
At a glance
| Abbreviations | DM; T1DM; T2DM |
|---|---|
| Spanish | diabetes mellitus |
| Also written | diabetes, diabetic |
Related terms
insulin
A hormone made by the pancreas that lets the body's cells take in glucose, also made as a medicine.
diabetic ketoacidosis
A state of high blood glucose, ketones in the blood and acidic blood, caused by a lack of insulin.
blood glucose
The amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood at the time it is measured.
type 2 diabetes
A form of diabetes in which the body does not respond well to insulin and does not make enough of it to keep blood glucose normal.
gestational diabetes
High blood sugar that first develops during pregnancy in a person who did not have diabetes before.
type 1 diabetes
A form of diabetes in which the pancreas makes little or no insulin because the immune system has destroyed the cells that make it.