Index of Dictionary Terms
H
HCF Diet
A high-carbohydrate, high-fiber diet.
Hemocromatosis
See: Bronze diabetes.
Hemodialysis
A mechanical method of cleaning the blood for people who have
kidney disease. See also: Dialysis.
Hemoglobin A1C
(HbA1C)
The substance of red blood cells that carries oxygen to the cells
and sometimes joins with glucose (sugar). Because the glucose
stays attached for the life of the cell (about 4 months), a test
to measure hemoglobin A1C shows what the person's average blood
glucose level was for that period of time.
Heredity
The passing of a trait such as color of the eyes from parent to
child. A person "inherits" these traits through the genes.
High Blood Pressure
When the blood flows through the vessels at a greater than normal
force. High blood pressure strains the heart; harms the arteries;
and increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney
problems. Also called hypertension.
Hives (Urticaria)
A skin reaction that results in slightly elevated patches that
are redder or paler than the surrounding skin and often are
accompanied by itching.
HLA Antigens
Proteins on the outer part of the cell that help the body fight
illness. These proteins vary from person to person. Scientists
think that people with certain types of HLA antigens are more
likely to develop insulin-dependent diabetes.
Home Blood Glucose
Monitoring
A way a person can test how much glucose (sugar) is in the blood.
Also called self-monitoring of blood glucose. See also: Blood
glucose monitoring.
Homeostatis
When the body is working as it should because all of its systems
are in balance.
Hormone
A chemical released by special cells to tell other cells what to
do. For instance, insulin is a hormone made by the beta cells in
the pancreas. When released, insulin tells other cells to use
glucose (sugar) for energy.
Human Insulin
Man-made insulins that are similar to insulin produced by your
own body. Human insulin has been available since October
1982.
Hyperglycemia
Too high a level of glucose (sugar) 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. Signs
of hyperglycemia are a great thirst, a dry mouth, and a need to
urinate often. For people with insulin-dependent diabetes,
hyperglycemia may lead to diabetic ketoacidosis.
Hyperinsulinism
Too high a level of insulin in the blood. This term most often
refers to a condition in which the body produces too much
insulin. Researchers believe that this condition may play a role
in the development of noninsulin-dependent diabetes and in
hypertension. See also: Syndrome X.
Hyperlipemia
See: Hyperlipidemia.
Hyperlipidemia
Too high a level of fats (lipids) in the blood. See also:
Syndrome X.
Hyperosmolar Coma
A coma (loss of consciousness) related to high levels of glucose
(sugar) in the blood and requiring emergency treatment. A person
with this condition is usually older and weak from loss of body
fluserids and weight. The person may or may not have a previous
history of diabetes. Ketones (acids) are not present in the
urine.
Hypertension
Blood pressure that is above the normal range. See also: High
blood pressure.
Hypoglycemia
Too low a level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. This occurs when
a person with diabetes has injected too much insulin, eaten too
little food, or has exercised without extra food. A person with
hypoglycemia may feel nervous, shaky, weak, or sweaty, and have a
headache, blurred vision, and hunger. Taking small amounts of
sugar, sweet juice, or food with sugar will usually help the
person feel better within 10-15 minutes. See also: Insulin
shock.
Hypotension
Low blood pressure or a sudden drop in blood pressure. A person
rising quickly from a sitting or reclining position may have a
sudden fall in blood pressure, causing dizziness or
fainting..
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