Glossary
Diabetes: A condition in which the body cannot properly store or use glucose (sugar), the body's main source of energy.Diabetes Mellitus: A group of disorders in which there is a defect in the transfer of glucose (sugar) from the bloodstream into cells, leading to abnormally high levels of blood sugar (hyperglycemia).
Diabetes insipidus: A rare condition characterized by increased urine production and nothing to do with diabetes as such.
Hyperglycemia: High level of glucose in the blood; a sign that diabetes is out of control. Many things can cause hyperglycemia. It occurs when the body does not have enough insulin or cannot use the insulin it does have to turn glucose into energy.
Hypoglycemia: Abnormally low blood sugar.
Glucose: A simple sugar found in the blood, all carbohydrates, and part of fat can be changed by the body into glucose. It is the body's main source of energy; also known as dextrose.
Gluconeogenesis: The process of making glucose (sugar) from its breakdown products or the breakdown products of lipids (fats) or proteins. Gluconeogenesis occurs mainly in cells of the liver or kidney.
Glycogenesis (or glucogenesis): The process by which glycogen is formed from glucose for its storage in liver.
Glycolysis: A process in which glucose (sugar) is partially broken down by cells in enzyme reactions that do not need oxygen. Glycolysis is one method that cells use to produce energy. When glycolysis is linked with other enzyme reactions that use oxygen, a more complete breakdown of glucose is possible and more energy is produced.
Glucose Tolerance Test: A blood test used to make the diagnosis of diabetes, including gestational diabetes. The test is undertaken in a lab or doctor's office in the morning before the person is fasting. The first sample of blood is taken from the person at fasting stage. Then the person drinks a liquid containing 100 grams of glucose (sugar) in it. After one hour, a second blood sample is drawn, and, after another hour, a third sample is taken. The objective is to understand how well the body deals with the glucose in the blood over time.
