- C-peptide
- A substance that the pancreas releases into the bloodstream in equal
amounts to insulin. A test of C-peptide levels will show how much insulin
the body is making.
See What is c-peptide? What do c-peptide levels mean? in Diabetes FAQs.
- Calcitonin
- A hormone secreted by the thyroid that lowers blood calcium.
Often used in the treatment of hypercalcemia.
- Calcium
- A mineral found in the teeth, bones, and other body tissues.
- Calcium Channel Blocker
- A drug used to lower blood pressure.
See:
- Focus On. . . Calcium Blockers and the Heart
- Calcium-channel Blockers Under Fire
- Another Look at Calcium Channel Blockers
- Calcium Channel Blockers and Cancer
- Calcium Antagonists and ACE Inhibitors Overused in Hypertension
- Cardiovascular Safety of Long-Acting Calcium Channel Blockers
- Calcium Channel Blockers and Increased Risk of Myocardial Infarction
- Is Enalapril Safer Than Nisoldipine in Hypertensive Diabetics?
Here's a list of some calcium channel blockers. Click on the generic name of the drug to access DrugDB and links to information about the drug.
- Calan, Covera-HS (verapamil)
- Cardene (nicardipine)
- Cardizem (diltiazem)
- Dynacirc (isradipine)
- Nimotop (nimodipine)
- Plendil (felodipine)
- Posicor (mibefradil)
- Procardia XL (nifedipine)
- Sular (nisoldipine)
- Calculi (KAL-kyoo-ly)
- Stones or solid lumps such as gallstones.
- Callus
- A small area of skin, usually on the foot, that has become thick and
hard from rubbing or pressure. Calluses may lead to other problems such as
serious infection. Shoes that fit well can keep calluses from forming. See also:
Foot care.
- Calorie
- Energy that comes from food. Some foods have more calories than
others. Fats have many calories. Most vegetables have few. People with
diabetes are advised to follow meal plans with suggested amounts of calories
for each meal and/or snack. See also: Meal plan; exchange lists.
- Campylobacter pylori (KAM-pee-loh-BAK-tur py-LOH-ree)
- The original name for the bacterium that causes ulcers. The new name is
Helicobacter pylori. See also Helicobacter pylori.
- Candidiasis (KAN-di-DY-uh-sis)
- A mild infection caused by the Candida (KAN-di-duh) fungus,
which lives naturally in the gastrointestinal tract. Infection occurs when a change in the
body, such as surgery, causes the fungus to overgrow suddenly.
See:
- Capillary
- The smallest of the body's blood vessels. Capillaries have walls so thin
that oxygen and glucose can pass through them and enter the cells, and waste
products such as carbon dioxide can pass back into the blood to be carried away
and taken out of the body. Sometimes people who have had diabetes for a
long time find that their capillaries become weak, especially those in the
kidney and the retina of the eye. See also: Blood vessels.
- 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.
- Carcinogen (kar-SIN-o-jin)
- A substance or agent that is known to cause cancer.
- Cardiologist
- A doctor who sees and takes care of people with heart disease; a heart
specialist.
- Cardiovascular
- Relating to the heart and blood vessels (arteries, veins, and capillaries);
the circulatory system.
- Caroli's Disease (kuh-ROH-leez duh-zeez)
- An inherited condition. Bile ducts in the liver are enlarged and may cause irritation, infection, or gallstones.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- A nerve disorder affecting the hand that may occur in people with
diabetes; caused by a pinched nerve.
- Cartilage
- A tough, stretchy tissue that covers the ends of bones to form a
low-friction, shock-absorbing surface for joints.
- Cataract
- Clouding of the lens of the eye. In people with diabetes, this condition is
sometimes referred to as "sugar cataract."
- Catalyze (KAT-ah- lies)
- to greatly accelerate a chemical reaction; enzymes, for
example, are protein catalysts
that speed up biochemical reactions in the body; the enzyme is not consumed
in the process
- Catheter (KATH-uh-tur)
- A thin, flexible tube that carries fluids into or out of the body. When a catheter is place in a vein, it
provides a pathway for drugs, nutrients, or blood products. Blood
samples also can be removed through the catheter.
- CD4+ T lymphocyte
- immune cell that carries a marker on its surface
known as "cluster of differentiation 4"
(CD4). These cells are the primary targets of
HIV. Also known as helper T cells, CD4+
T cells help orchestrate the immune response,
including antibody responses as well as killer T
cell responses. (See also T cell.)
- CD8+ T lymphocyte
- immune cell that carries the "cluster of differentiation 8" (CD8) marker. CD8 T cells may be cytotoxic T lymphocytes or suppressor T cells. (See also cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL); T cell.)
- Cecostomy (see-KAW-stuh-mee)
- A tube that goes through the skin into the beginning of the large intestine to remove
gas or feces. This is a short-term way to protect part of the colon while it heals after surgery.
- Cecum (SEEK-um)
- The beginning of the large intestine. The cecum is connected to the lower part of the small intestine, called the ileum.
- Celiac Disease (SEL-ee-ak duh-zeez)
- Inability to digest and absorb gliadin, the protein found in wheat. Undigested gliadin
causes damage to the lining of the small intestine. This prevents absorption of nutrients
from other foods. Celiac disease is also called celiac sprue, gluten intolerance, and
nontropical sprue.
- Cell-mediated immunity (cellular immunity)
- the immune response coordinated by helper T cells
and CTLs. This branch of the immune system
targets cells infected with microorganisms such
as viruses, fungi and certain bacteria.
- Cerebrovascular disease
- Damage to the blood vessels in the brain, resulting in a stroke. The
blood vessels become blocked because of fat deposits or they become thick and
hard, blocking the flow of blood to the brain. Sometimes, the blood vessels
may burst, resulting in a hemorrhagic stroke. People with diabetes are at
higher risk of cerebrovascular disease. See also: Macrovascular disease;
stroke.
- Charcot Foot
- A foot complication associated with diabetic neuropathy that results in
destruction of joints and soft tissue. Also called "Charcot's joint" and
"neuropathic arthropathy."
- Chemoreceptor (KEE-mow-ree-SEP- tor)
- a molecular structure on the surface of a cell that is sensitive to
chemical substances,
such as epinephrine released by nerve cells
- Chemotaxis (kem-oh-TACK-sis)
- movement or response of cells to chemicals
- Chemotherapy
- Treatment with anticancer drugs. Chemotherapy may be taken by
mouth or it may be put into the body by a needle inserted into a vein or
muscle.
- Chlorhydria (klor-HY-dree-uh)
- Too much hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
- Cholangiography (koh-LAN-jee-AW-gruh-fee)
- A series of x-rays of the bile ducts.
- Cholangitis (KOH-lan-JY-tis)
- Irritated or infected bile ducts.
- Cholecystectomy (KOH-lee-sis-TEK-tuh-mee)
- An operation to remove the gallbladder.
- Cholecystitis (KOH-lee-sis-TY-tis)
- An irritated gallbladder.
- Cholecystogram, Oral (KOH-lee-SIS-tuh-gram, OH-rul)
- An x-ray of the gallbladder and bile ducts. The patient takes pills containing a special
dye to make the organs show up in the x-ray. Also called oral cholecystography.
- Cholecystokinin (KOH-lee-sis-tuh-KY-nin)
- A hormone released in the small intestine. Causes muscles in the gallbladder and the colon to tighten and relax.
- Choledocholithiasis (KOH-lee-doh-koh-luh-THY-uh-sis)
- Gallstones in the bile ducts.
- Cholelithiasis (KOH-lee-luh-THY-uh-sis)
- Gallstones in the gallbladder.
- Cholestasis (KOH-lee-STAY-sis)
- Blocked bile ducts. Often caused by gallstones.
- Cholesterol (koh-LES-tuh-rawl)
- A fat-like substance found in blood, muscle, liver, brain, and other
tissues in people and animals. The body makes and needs some cholesterol.
Too much cholesterol, however, may cause fat to build up in the artery walls
and cause a disease that slows or stops the flow of blood. Butter and egg yolks
are foods that have a lot of cholesterol.
See:
- Fluvastatin for Hypercholesterolemia
- Assessing Cholesterol- lowering Therapy
- Focus On... The "Statins" and the Heart
- Atorvastatin for Reduction of Elevated Cholesterol
- "Cholesterol, Atherosclerosis, and Coronary Heart Disease"
- Cerivastatin for the Reduction of Elevated Total Cholesterol
- NATIONAL CHOLESTEROL EDUCATION PROGRAM
- Lowering Cholesterol for the Person With Heart Disease
Here's a list of some drugs that are used to lower cholesterol. Click on the generic name of the drug to access DrugDB and links to information about the drug.
- Baychol (cerivastatin) | Bayer
- Lescol (fluvastatin) | Sandoz
- Mevacor (lovastatin) | Merck
- Pravachol (pravastatin) | Bristol-Myers Squibb
- Zocor (simvastatin) | Merck
- Cholinergic Parasympathomimetic Agent (ko-lin-ER-jik pah-rah-sim-pah-tho- mee-MET-ik)
- a chemical substance that causes the release of
choline (acetylcholine) from
parasympathetic nerve endings
- Chorionic
- referring to the
chorion or membrane enclosing the fetus
- Chronic (KRAW-nik)
- Present over a long period of time. Diabetes is an example of chronic
disease.
- Chyme (kym)
- A thick liquid made of partially digested food and stomach juices. This liquid is
made in the stomach and moves into the small intestine for further digestion.
- Circulation
- The flow of blood through the heart and blood vessels of the body.
- Cirrhosis (suh-ROH-sis)
- A chronic liver condition caused by scar tissue and cell damage. Cirrhosis makes it
hard for the liver to remove poisons (toxins) like alcohol and drugs from the blood. These
toxins build up in the blood and may affect brain function.
- Clinical trial
- A scientifically controlled study carried out in people, usually to test the
effectiveness of a new treatment.
- Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) (klaws-TRID-ee-um deef-ee-seel)
- Bacteria naturally present in the large intestine. These bacteria make a substance that
can cause a serious infection called pseudomembranous colitis in people taking antibiotics.
- Cluster headaches
- Intensely painful
headaches-occurring suddenly and lasting between 30 and
45 minutes-named for their repeated occurrence in groups
or clusters. They begin as minor pain around one eye and
eventually spread to that side of the face.
- Cohort
- groups of individuals who share
one or more characteristics in a research study
and who are followed over time. For example, a
HIV vaccine trial might include two cohorts, a group
at low risk for HIV and a group at higher risk
for HIV.
- Colectomy (koh-LEK-tuh-mee)
- An operation to remove all or part of the colon.
- Colic (KAWL-ik)
- Attacks of abdominal pain, caused by muscle spasms in the intestines. Colic is common in infants.
- Colitis (koh-LY-tis)
- Irritation of the colon.
- Collagen
- A fibrous protein that is one of the main building blocks of skin, tendon,
bone, cartilage, and other connective tissues.
- Collagenous Colitis (koh-LAH-juh-nus koh-LY-tis)
- A type of colitis. Caused by an abnormal band of collagen, a thread-like protein.
- Colon (KOH-lun)
- See Large Intestine.
- Colonic Inertia (koh-LAWN-ik ih-NUR-sha)
- A condition of the colon. Colon muscles do not work properly, causing constipation.
- Colonoscopy (koh-luh-NAW-skuh-pee)
- A test to look into the rectum and colon. The doctor uses a long, flexible, narrow
tube with a light and tiny lens on the end. This tube is called a colonoscope.
- Colonoscopic Polypectomy (KOH-luh-nuh-SKAW-pik pawl-up-EK-tuh-mee)
- The removal of tumor-like growths (polyps) using a device inserted through a colonoscope.
- Colony-stimulating factors
- Substances that stimulate the production of blood cells.
Treatment with colony-stimulating factors (CSF) can help the blood-
forming tissue recover from the effects of chemotherapy and
radiation therapy. These include granulocyte colony-stimulating
factors (G-CSF) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating
factors (GM-CSF).
- Colon polyps (KOH-lun PAWL-ups)
- Small, fleshy, mushroom-shaped growths in the colon.
- Coloproctectomy (koh-loh-prahk-TEK-tuh-mee)
- See Proctocolectomy.
- Colorectal Cancer (koh-loh-REK-tul-CAN-sir)
- Cancer that occurs in the colon (large intestine) or the rectum (the end of the large
intestine). A number of digestive diseases may increase a person's risk of colorectal
cancer, including polyposis and Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome.
- Colorectal Transit Study (koh-loh-REK-tul TRAN-zit STUH-dee)
- A test to see how food moves through the colon. The patient swallows capsules that
contain small markers. An x-ray tracks the movement of the capsules through the colon.
- Colostomy (koh-LAW-stuh-mee)
- An operation that makes it possible for stool to leave the body after the rectum has
been removed. The surgeon makes an opening in the abdomen and attaches the colon to it.
A temporary colostomy may be done to let the rectum heal from injury or other surgery.
- Common Bile Duct (KAH-mun BY-ul dukt)
- The tube that carries bile from the liver to the small intestine.
- Common Bile Duct Obstruction (KAH-mun BY-ul dukt ub-STRUK-shun)
- A blockage of the common bile duct, often caused by gallstones.
- COMPLEMENT (KOM-pleh-ment)
- blood proteins that play an
important role in the immune response. Generally,
complement proteins amplify the effects of
antibodies and inflammation.
a functionally related system comprising at least 20 distinct serum proteins; the proteins help in the destruction of foreign cells identified by the immune system and have other biologic functions.
- Computed Tomography (CT) Scan (kom-PYOO-ted tuh-MAW-gruh-fee)
- An x-ray that produces three-dimensional pictures of the body. Also known as
computed axial tomography (CAT) scan.
- Congenital defects
- Problems or conditions that are present at birth.
- Congestive heart failure
- Heart failure caused by loss of pumping power by the heart, resulting in
fluids collecting in the body. Congestive heart failure often develops
gradually over several years, although it also can happen suddenly. It can be
treated by drugs and in some cases, by surgery.
See:
- Connective tissue
- The supporting framework of the body and the internal organs- -including
bone, cartilage, and ligaments.
- Constipation (kon-stuh-PAY-shun)
- A condition in which the stool becomes hard and dry. A person who is constipated
usually has fewer than three bowel movements in a week. Bowel movements may be painful.
Common causes of constipation
- Not enough fiber in diet.
- Not enough liquids.
- Lack of exercise.
- Changes in life or routine such as pregnancy, older age, and travel.
- Ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement.
- Problems with the colon and rectum.
- Problems with intestinal function.
- Irritable bowl syndrome.
- Medications.
- Continence (KON-tuh-nuns)
- The ability to hold in a bowel movement or urine.
- Continent Ileostomy (KON-tuh-nunt il-ee-AW-stuh-mee)
- An operation to create a pouch from part of the small intestine. Stool that collects in
the pouch is removed by inserting a small tube through an opening made in the abdomen.
See also Ileostomy.
- Continuous Infusion
- The slow introduction of a fluid into a vein or artery
over a period of time.
- Contraindication
- A condition that makes a treatment not helpful or even harmful.
- Control
- in clinical trials,
the control group is given either the standard
treatment for the disease or an inactive
substance called a placebo. The control group is
compared with one or more groups of volunteers
given experimental treatments to detect any effects
of the treatments.
- Coronary disease
- Damage to the heart. Not enough blood flows through the vessels
because they are blocked with fat or have become thick and hard; this harms
the muscles of the heart. People with diabetes are at a higher risk of coronary
disease.
- Corticosteroids (KOR-tuh-koh-STEER-oydz)
- Medicines such as cortisone and hydrocortisone. These medicines reduce irritation
from Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. They may be taken either by mouth or as suppositories.
- COUMARIN (KOO-muh-rin)
- a compound derived from sweet
clover and other plants, and also prepared synthetically,
which contains a factor, dicumarol, which inhibits the
hepatic synthesis of the vitamin K-dependent coagulation
factors (prothrombin, factors VII, IX, and X). Dicumarol
derivatives are used as anticoagulants in the treatment of
disorders in which there is excessive or undesirable clotting.
- Creatinine
- A chemical found in the blood and passed in the urine. A test of the
amount of creatinine in blood or in blood and urine shows if the kidney is
working right or if it is diseased. This is called the creatinine clearance
test.
- Crohn's Disease (krohnz duh-zeez)
- A chronic form of inflammatory bowel disease. Crohn's disease causes severe
irritation in the gastrointestinal tract. It usually affects the lower small intestine (called the
ileum) or the colon, but it can affect the entire gastrointestinal tract. Also called regional
enteritis and ileitis. See also Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and
Granuloma.
- Cryptosporidia (KRIP-toh-spoh-RID-ee-uh)
- A parasite that can cause gastrointestinal infection and diarrhea. See also Gastroenteritis.
- Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) (SIK-lik VOM-uh-ting sin-drohm)
- Sudden, repeated attacks of severe vomiting (especially in children), nausea, and
physical exhaustion with no apparent cause. Can last from a few hours to 10 days. The
episodes begin and end suddenly. Loss of fluids in the body and changes in chemicals in
the body can require immediate medical attention. Also called abdominal migraine.
- Cystic Duct (SIS-tik dukt)
- The tube that carries bile from the gallbladder into the common bile duct and the small intestine.
- Cystic Duct Obstruction (SIS-tik dukt ub-STRUK-shun)
- A blockage of the cystic duct, often caused by gallstones.
- Cytokine
- a soluble, hormone-like
protein produced by white blood cells that acts
as a messenger between cells. Cytokines can
stimulate or inhibit the growth and activity of
various immune cells. Cytokines are essential for
a coordinated immune response and can also be
used as immunologic adjuvants. HIV replication, for example, is
regulated by a delicate balance among cytokines.
- Cytoplasm
- the living matter within a
cell (excluding the nucleus) that is responsible
for the function of the cell (for example,
protein synthesis).
- Cytotoxic (sigh-toe-TOCK-sick)
- destructive to cells
- Cytotoxic T Cells, Cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL)
- White blood cells that can directly destroy specific
cells. T cells can be separated from other blood cells and grown in the
laboratory and then be given to the patient to destroy tumor cells. Certain
drugs can also assist in the formation of cytotoxic T cells within the
patient's body.
immune system cell that can destroy cancer cells and cells infected with viruses, fungi or certain bacteria. CTLs, also known as killer T cells, carry the CD8 marker. CTLs kill virus-infected cells, whereas antibodies generally target free-floating viruses in the blood. CTL responses are a proposed but unproven correlate of HIV immunity. (See also CD8+ T lymphocyte.)
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