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basal insulin dosing
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an important component in diabetes management because it acts as a background insulin that is designed to stabilize blood glucose levels during times of fasting
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bolus
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a single dose of a drug being administered
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continuous glucose monitor
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a device that monitors blood glucose levels on a continual basis
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diabetes
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a disease that results from a deficiency in insulin that leads to alterations in the metabolism of glucose, fats, and proteins
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fasting blood glucose
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a test that measures the blood sugar level after an overnight fasting period
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glycosylated hemoglobin (A1c)
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a test that measures the blood sugar level over the past 60 to 90 days
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hyperglycemia
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a condition that occurs when the blood glucose level in the body is above the normal range of 70–110 mg/dL and the body has too little insulin or is insulin resistant, making it unable to lower the blood glucose level on its own
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hypoglycemia
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a condition that occurs when the blood glucose level in the body falls below the normal range of 70–110 mg/dL
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insulin
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a hormone released by β cells from the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas after eating a meal that helps the body’s cells absorb glucose for energy
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insulin pen
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a pen-shaped injector device that combines insulin and a syringe in one unit; insulin pens are prefilled with an insulin cartridge or have a prefilled insulin reservoir
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insulin pump
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a small, computerized infusion set device that delivers insulin
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ketoacidosis
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a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body breaks down fat too quickly, causing the liver to produce ketones, which in turn causes the blood to become acidic
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non-insulin injectable diabetes drugs
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drugs that provide an alternative to insulin therapy for those with type 2 diabetes; they act on hormones that are secreted along with insulin by the pancreas to control glucose homeostasis
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oral diabetes drugs
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drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes by lowering blood glucose levels
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peak time
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the time during which insulin is at its maximum strength in terms of lowering blood glucose levels; individuals are at a higher risk of developing hypoglycemic symptoms when insulin is peaking
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pheochromocytoma
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a rare non-cancerous tumor that develops in the adrenal gland that causes an excessive release of adrenal hormones
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polydipsia
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increased thirst
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polyphagia
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increased hunger
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polyuria
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frequent urination
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random blood glucose
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a test that measures the blood sugar level at the time tested
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sliding scale coverage
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varying the dose of insulin based on the blood glucose level
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subcutaneous
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situated or applied under the skin
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titrated
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continuously measuring and adjusting the balance of a drug dosage
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type 1 diabetes
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an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the β cells in the pancreas that make insulin, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels
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type 2 diabetes
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a disorder that occurs as a result of the body not making enough insulin or not using insulin well