Autoimmune disease.  A disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys body tissue that it believes to be foreign. In type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease, the immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells.

Blood glucose meter.  A device that measures how much glucose is in the blood. A specially coated test strip containing a fresh sample of blood (obtained by pricking the skin, usually the finger, with a lancet) is inserted in the meter, which then measures the amount of glucose in the blood.

Blood glucose monitoring.    The act of checking the amount of glucose in the blood. Also called self-monitoring of blood glucose.

Complications of diabetes.  Harmful effects that may happen when a person has diabetes. Short-term complications resulting from poorly controlled or uncontrolled diabetes include hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) and hyperglycemia (high blood glucose). Long-term complications, which may develop when a person has had diabetes for a long time, include blindness, amputation of feet or legs, kidney disease, heart disease, stroke, and nerve damage.

Diabetic Coma.  A severe emergency in which a person is not conscious because his or her blood glucose is too low or too high. See also hyperglycemia; hypoglycemia; and diabetic ketoacidosis.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).  A condition that occurs due to insufficient insulin in the body. This can be due to illness, incorrect doses of insulin, or omitting insulin injections. The acidic state that follows causes fruity smelling breath, deep and rapid breathing, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and sleepiness. DKA can lead to coma and death if not treated promptly.

Glucose.  A simple sugar found in the blood. It is the body’s main source of energy.

Glucose tablets or gel.  Special products that deliver a pre-measured amount of pure glucose. They are a fast-acting form of glucose used to counteract hypoglycemia.

Hyperglycemia.  A high level of glucose in the blood. High blood glucose can be due to a mismatch in insulin, food, and exercise. Symptoms include thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision, and fatigue.

Hypoglycemia.  A low level of glucose in the blood. Low blood glucose is most likely to occur during or after exercise, if too much insulin is present, or not enough food is consumed. Symptoms include feeling shaky, having a headache, or being sweaty, pale, hungry, or tired.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).   A federal law that provides funds to states to support special education and related services for children with disabilities, administered by the Office of Special Education Programs in the U.S. Department of Education. To be eligible for services under IDEA, a student’s diabetes must impair his or her educational performance so that he or she requires special education and related services.

Insulin.  A hormone produced by the pancreas that helps the body use glucose for growth and energy. There are several types of insulin that are used in combination to treat people with diabetes. These different types of insulin have been manufactured either to have immediate (rapid-acting or short-acting insulin), intermediate, or long (basal insulin) onset of action and duration of action in the body. A coordinated combination of insulins is used to allow for adequate treatment of diabetes at meals, snacks, during periods of physical activity, and through the night.

Insulin injections.  The process of putting insulin into the body with a needle and syringe or an insulin pen.

Insulin pen.  A pen-like device used to put insulin into the body.

Insulin pump.  A device that delivers a continuous supply of insulin. The insulin is delivered in a steady, measured dose through a system of plastic tubing (infusion set). Most infusion sets are started with a guide needle, then the plastic cannula (a tiny, flexible plastic tube) is left in place, taped with dressing, and the needle is removed.

Insulin resistance.  A condition in which the body does not respond normally to the action of insulin. Many people with type 2 diabetes have insulin resistance.

Ketones (ketone bodies).  Chemicals that the body makes when there is not enough insulin in the blood and the body must break down fat for its energy. Ketones can poison and even kill body cells. When the body does not have the help of insulin, ketones build up in the blood and “spill” over into the urine so that the body can get rid of them. Ketones that build up in the body for a long time lead to serious illness and coma. See also: Diabetic ketoacidosis.

Medical alert identification.  An identification card and necklace or bracelet indicating the student has diabetes and giving an emergency number to call.

Mg/dL.  Milligrams per deciliter. This term is used in blood glucose monitoring to describe how much glucose is in a specific amount of blood.

Palpitations.  Abnormally rapid or violent beat ing of the heart.

Pancreas.  The organ behind the lower part of the stomach that makes insulin.

Peak effect time.  Time when insulin has its major impact on reducing blood glucose levels. See also Insulin.

Syringe.  A device used to inject medications such as insulin into body tissue.

Test strips.  Specially designed strips used in blood glucose meters or in urine testing.

Trained Diabetes Personnel.  Nonmedical personnel who have basic diabetes knowledge and have received training in diabetes care, including the performance of blood glucose monitoring, insulin and glucagon administration, recognition and treatment of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia, and performance of urine ketone testing.