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Related Flashcards
Cards In This Set
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Autoimmune disease
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Your immune system usually attacks germs that get into your body and make you sick. For example, it helps get rid of viruses that cause colds. For some reason, your immune system gets confused and thinks your body's own cells are germs. They attack and destroy them. In type 1 diabetes, your beta cells get attacked.
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Basal
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The amount of constant insulin that is needed to maintain your blood glucoses in between meals and overnight. In a pump, a basal rate is programmed to constantly deliver doses of insulin 24/7 to maintain stable blood glucose.
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Cells in your pancreas that makes insulin
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Blood glucose (AKA blood sugar)
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The amount of glucose that is in the blood
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Blood glucose meter
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A small device that can measure the amount of glucose in your blood. You have to prick your finger or forearm (follow the instructions for your meter) to get a small drop of blood that you put on a test strip.
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Carbohydrates (AKA Carbs)
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Another word for sugars. The main source of energy for the body. Carbs get digested quickly and easily into glucose. Carbs are the foods that affect blood glucose the most. Examples of carbs are fruits, starchy vegetables, breads, pastas, rice, sugar, syrup and honey.
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Diabetes mellitus
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A disease where the body does not make or use insulin properly. Without insulin, the body cannot use the food you eat as energy.
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Fiber
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The part of food that is hard to digest. Foods high in fiber take longer to digest and therefore affect your blood glucose more slowly (i.e. whole wheat bread, prunes and other vegetables).
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Glucose
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The food you eat gets digested and broken down into a sugar your body's cells can use. This is glucose
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Hypoglycemia
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Occurs when blood glucose goes too low and you have more insulin in your system than your body needs.
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Hyperglycemia
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Occurs when blood glucose goes too high and you don't have enough insulin in your system.
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Insulin
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A hormone made by beta cells in your pancreas that acts like a key so glucose can get into your cells. Without insulin to unlock the door into your cells, glucose from the food you eat can't get into your cells and they starve. Insulin is made by the beta cells in your pancreas.
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Pancreas
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A small organ located right behind your stomach. The pancreas is where insulin is made.
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Protein
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Is a source of energy for your body, but it takes twice as long as carbs for protein to become glucose. Proteins are good for building muscle. Good sources of protein are lean meats, fish, milk, nuts and some beans.
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Hormone
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A chemical made by your body.
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