Diabetes in Practice for Allied Health

Increase your diabetes knowledge and be able to have a helpful and supportive conversation with the people you see. Earn 3.5 CPD hours.

Definitioner

Nutrition

The process by which the body draws nutrients from food and uses them to make or mend its cells.

Insulin pump

An insulin pump is a small, battery-powered device that mechanically pumps measured amounts of insulin through an infusion set into the body. THE PUMP IS NOT AUTOMATIC. You program and control it, and you must perform four to six blood glucose tests daily to ensure delivery of appropriate amounts of insulin by the pump.

Insulin

A hormone produced by the beta cells in the pancreas. Insulin is needed by the body to regulate the production and use of glucose.

Hypoglycaemia

Also known as low blood sugar. It occurs when blood glucose levels drop to below 4 mmol/l. This can happen if a person with diabetes has taken too much insulin or has exercised more than usual. Symptoms of hypoglycaemia include dizziness, shakiness, rapid heartbeat, sudden hunger, cold or clammy skin, fuzzy vision, confusion, mood changes, and tingling or numbness in the hands, arms, tongue, or lips. Hypoglycaemia can occur even while using an insulin pump and, if left untreated, can lead to unconsciousness and diabetic coma. Pre-Diabetes – blood glucose (sugar) levels higher than normal but not high enough to be called diabetes. People with pre-diabetes may or may not develop diabetes. Other names for pre-diabetes are impaired glucose tolerance, impaired fasting glucose, borderline, subclinical, chemical, or latent diabetes.

Hyperglycaemia

Also known as high blood sugar. It occurs when blood glucose levels rise above 10 mmol/l, and the body does not have enough or cannot use insulin to process food. Symptoms of hyperglycaemia include nausea, vomiting, muscle and joint aches, blurred vision, excessive thirst, and frequent urination. Over time, weight loss can result. Hyperglycaemia can occur even while using an insulin pump, and can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) if untreated.

Glucose

A carbohydrate and is the body's most important source of energy. It is produced from digested food, by the normal action of the liver, and is carried by the blood throughout the body.

Carbohydrate counting

Counting the amount of grams of carbohydrate in food to estimate the amount of insulin needed as a meal bolus to maintain a normal blood glucose level.

Carbohydrate

One of the three main classes of foods and a source of energy. Carbohydrates are mainly sugars and starches that the body breaks down into glucose (a simple sugar that the body can use to feed its cells). The body also uses carbohydrates to make a substance called glycogen that is stored in the liver and muscles for future use. If the body does not have enough insulin or cannot use the insulin it has, then the body will not be able to use carbohydrates for energy the way it should. This condition is called diabetes. See also: fats; protein.

Bolus

The amount of insulin delivered at one time, usually before a meal or when blood glucose is high.

Blood glucose levels

The measure of how much glucose (blood sugar) is in the blood. The normal level (euglycemia) is about 4 - 7 mmol/l before meals and less than 8 mmol/l after meals.

Blood glucose

The main sugar that the body makes from the three elements of food-proteins, fats, and carbohydrates-but mostly from carbohydrates. Glucose is the major source of energy for living cells and is carried to each cell through the bloodstream. However, the cells cannot use glucose without the help of insulin.

Basal

The amount of insulin needed to meet metabolic insulin requirements when an individual is not eating. The amount needed is usually 40 to 50 % of total daily insulin needs.

We are processing your request...

LEARN ONLINE

ANYTIME, ANYWHERE

DIABETES IN PRACTICE FOR NURSES

12 CPD HOURS

DIABETES ESSENTIALS

UPSKILL NOW

PRACTICAL DIABETES FOR

DISABILITY SUPPORT WORKERS

DIABETES IN PRACTICE

FOR PODIATRISTS

Diabetes in Practice for Nurses

Diabetes in Practice for Allied Health

Diabetes and Exercise

Subscribe to our Monthly eNews