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Diabetes Words to Know

Definition: Autoimmunity

Sometimes the immune system makes a mistake and attacks the body's own tissues or organs. This is called autoimmunity.

Definition: Beta Cells

Beta cells are cells that make insulin.

Definition: Blood Glucose Level

The blood glucose level is the amount of glucose in the blood.

Definition: Blood Glucose Meter

A blood glucose meter is a small, portable machine that's used to measure how much glucose (a type of sugar) is in the blood.

Definition: Bolus

For a person with diabetes, a bolus is a dose of insulin taken to handle a rise in blood glucose.

Definition: Carbohydrate

All carbohydrates break down into simple sugars, which are absorbed into the bloodstream.

Definition: Carbohydrate Counting

Many people with diabetes use carbohydrate ("carb") counting to estimate the amount of carbohydrate in the foods they eat.

Definition: Certified Diabetes Educators (CDEs)

Certified diabetes educators are health care professionals who specialize in treating people with diabetes.

Definition: Diabetes

Diabetes is a condition that happens when the body can't use glucose (a type of sugar) normally.

Definition: Exchange Meal Plan

Many people with diabetes use a food-balancing program called the exchange meal plan to guide what they eat each day.