A disease in which the production of thyroid hormone is reduced. Symptoms include slow metabolism, tendency to gain weight and fatigue.

A condition where a person does not feel or recognize the symptoms of low blood sugar. People who have frequent episodes of hypoglycemia may no longer feel the warning signs of low blood glucose and are at high risk of severe hypoglycemia.

Lower than normal blood glucose. Symptoms of hypoglycemia depend on how low the blood glucose level is and include sweating, trembling, hunger, dizziness, moodiness, confusion, headache, blurred vision and nausea.

High blood pressure. Hypertension is classified as a blood pressure greater than 140/90 mmHg.

Higher than normal levels of glucose in the blood. Symptoms of hyperglycemia depend on how high the blood glucose level is, but can include thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision and fatigue.

A synthetic form of insulin created in the 1990s using recombinant-DNA technology.

A substance produced in one part of the body that is released into the bloodstream and travels to other organs or tissues where it acts to change their structure or function. For example, insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas that travels throughout the body and affects the cells’ and tissues’ ability to use glucose for energy.

A measure of the blood glucose levels over the previous 120 days. People with diabetes should have their A1C measured approximately every three months.

A method of removing waste products or poisons from the blood. This treatment is used for patients whose kidneys are failing.

A type of cholesterol that is involved in transporting cholesterol and other lipids from the body. It is sometimes called “good” or “healthy” cholesterol because high levels of HDL can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.