Definitions

Use this page as your own diabetes dictionary. Diabetes Self-Management aims to give you the best, most informative resources on living with diabetes.

Insulin Resistance

Updated June 19, 2014

A condition in which the body needs extra insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Along with abnormal insulin secretion, it is a hallmark of Type 2 diabetes… Read More “Insulin Resistance”

Cholesterol: Definition and Overview

Updated May 17, 2006

A waxy substance found in all of the body’s cells. The body uses cholesterol for a number of important functions, such as manufacturing certain hormones. As most people know, however, too much cholesterol in the blood can be damaging to the heart and… Read More “Cholesterol: Definition and Overview”

ACE Inhibitors: Definition and Overview

Updated May 17, 2006

A class of medicine usually used to treat high blood pressure. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors also appear to protect people with diabetes from diabetic nephropathy (kidney disease).

People with diabetes are especially prone to… Read More “ACE Inhibitors: Definition and Overview”

Anemia: Definition and Overview

Updated May 17, 2006

A decrease in the number of red blood cells or in the amount of hemoglobin (an oxygen-carrying protein) in these cells that may cause such symptoms as weakness, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, headache, or insomnia… Read More “Anemia: Definition and Overview”

Acanthosis Nigricans

Updated September 25, 2014

A condition characterized by discolored patches in the skin folds of the armpits, neck, or groin, ranging from tan to dark brown. Acanthosis nigricans is associated with hyperinsulinemia (a higher-than-normal level of insulin in the blood)… Read More “Acanthosis Nigricans”