HDL Cholesterol: A fat found in the blood that takes extra cholesterol
from the blood to the liver for removal. May sometimes be referred to as
"good" cholesterol.
Heredity: The passing of a trait from parent to child.
Honeymoon Phase: Some people with type 1 diabetes experience a brief
remission called the "honeymoon period." During this time their
pancreas may still secrete some insulin. Over time, this secretion stops and as
this happens, the child will require more insulin from injections. The honeymoon
period can last weeks, months, or even up to a year or more.
Hormone: A chemical produced in one part of the body and released into
the blood to trigger or regulate particular functions of the body. For example,
insulin is a hormone made in the pancreas that tells other cells when to use
glucose for energy. Synthetic hormones, made for use as medicines, can be the
same or different from those made in the body.
Human Insulin: A bio-synthetic insulin created in the 1990s using
recombinant-DNA technology.
Human Leukocyte Antigens: Proteins located on the surface of the cell
that help the immune system identify the cell either as one belonging to the
body or as one from outside the body. Some patterns of these proteins may mean
increased risk of developing Type 1 diabetes.
Hyperglycemia: Excessive blood glucose. Fasting hyperglycemia is blood
glucose above a desirable level after a person has fasted for at least 8 hours.
Postprandial hyperglycemia is blood glucose above a desirable level 1 to 2 hours
after a person has eaten.
Hyperinsulinemia: A condition in which the level of insulin in the
blood is higher than normal. This is caused by overproduction of insulin by the
body and is related to insulin resistance.
Hyperlipidemia: Higher than normal fat and cholesterol levels in the
blood.
Hyperlipoproteinemia: The presence in the blood of greater than normal
amounts of certain lipids and other fatty substances in the blood.
Hyperosmolar Hyperglycemic Nonketotic Syndrome: An emergency condition
in which one's blood glucose level is very high and ketones are not present in
the blood or urine. If HHNS is not treated, it can lead to coma or death.
Hypertension: A condition present when blood flows through the blood
vessels with a force greater than normal. Hypertension can strain the heart,
damage blood vessels, and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney
problems and death.
Hypoglycemia Unawareness: A state in which a person does not feel or
recognize the symptoms of hypoglycemia. People who have frequent episodes of
hypoglycemia may no longer experience the warning signs of it.
Hypoglycemia: A condition which occurs when one's blood glucose is
lower than normal, usually less than 70 mg/dL. Signs include hunger,
nervousness, shakiness, perspiration, dizziness or light-headedness, sleepiness,
and confusion. If left untreated, hypoglycemia may lead to unconsciousness.
Hypoglycemia is treated by consuming a carbohydrate-rich food such as a glucose
tablet or juice. It may also be treated with an injection of glucagon if the
person is unconscious or unable to swallow. May also be called an insulin
reaction.
Hypotension: Low blood pressure or a sudden drop in blood pressure.
Hypotension may occur when a person rises quickly from a sitting or reclining
position, causing dizziness or fainting.
