Background Retinopathy: Damage
to the retina marked by bleeding, fluid accumulation and abnormal dilation of
the blood vessels. Background retinopathy is an early stage of diabetic
retinopathy.
Basal Rate: A steady trickle of
low levels of longer-acting insulin, such as that used in insulin pumps.
Beef Insulin: A form of insulin
derived from the pancreas of cows and is no longer readily available in Canada,
except by special importation through Health Canada.
Beta Cell: A cell that
makes insulin. Beta cells are located in the islets of the pancreas.
Biguanide: A class of oral
medicine used to treat Type 2 diabetes that lowers blood glucose by reducing the
amount of glucose produced by the liver and by helping the body respond better
to insulin.
Blood Glucose Level: The
amount of glucose in a given amount of blood.
Blood Glucose Meter: A
small, portable machine used by people with diabetes to check their blood
glucose levels. After pricking the skin with a lancet, one places a drop of
blood on a test strip in the machine. The meter soon displays the blood glucose
level as a number on the meter's digital display.
Blood Glucose Monitoring: Checking
blood glucose level on a regular basis in order to manage diabetes. A blood
glucose meter (or blood glucose test strips that change color when touched by a
blood sample) is needed for frequent blood glucose monitoring.
Blood Glucose: This is
the main sugar that is found in the blood and is also the body's main source of
energy. May also be referred to as blood sugar.
Blood Pressure: Refers to the
pressure exerted by blood flow on artery walls. People with diabetes should aim
for a blood pressure of 130 / 80 or lower. High blood pressure (also known
hypertension) can cause health problems such as heart attacks, strokes and
kidney problems.
Blood Vessels: Tubes
that carry blood to and from all parts of the body. The three main types of
blood vessels are arteries, veins and capillaries.
Body Mass Index (BMI): A unit of
measurement to describe weight in relation to height for people 20 to 65 years
of age. Classifications include: Underweight (<18.5), Normal Weight (18.5 -
24.9), Overweight (25 - 29.9), and Obese(>30).
Bolus: An extra amount
of insulin taken to cover an expected rise in blood glucose, often related to a
meal or snack.
Borderline Diabetes: A
former term for Type 2 diabetes or impaired glucose tolerance.
Brittle
Diabetes: A term used when a person's blood
glucose level moves often from low to high and from high to low.
