allogeneic-Denoting members of the same species that differ genetically.
alpha cells-A type of cell in the pancreas (in areas called the islets of Langerhans). Alpha cells make and release a hormone called glucagon, which raises the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood.
antibodies- A Y-shaped protein secreted by B cells in response to an antigen. An antibody binds specifically to the antigen that induced its production. Antibodies directed against antigens on the surface of infectious organisms help to eliminate those organisms from the body.
autoimmune disease- A condition that results from T cells and/or antibodies
that attack the cells or tissues of an individual’s own body
beta cells- A type of cell in the pancreas in areas called the islets of
Langerhans. Beta cells make and release insulin, a hormone that controls the
level of glucose (sugar) in the blood.
differentiation-is the process by which stem cells differentiate. During
this process, some genes become activated and others become inactivated in
a complexly regulated fashion.
Diabetes mellitus-A disease that occurs when the body is not able to use
sugar as it should. The body needs sugar for growth and energy for daily
activities. It gets sugar when it changes food into glucose (a form of sugar). A
hormone called insulin is needed for the glucose to be taken up and used by the
body. Diabetes occurs when the body cannot make use of the glucose in the blood
for energy because either the pancreas is not able to make enough insulin or the
insulin that is available is not effective.
Fasting Blood Glucose (Blood Sugar) Level Test- A method for finding out how
much glucose (sugar) is in the blood. The test can show if a person has
diabetes. A blood sample is taken in a lab or doctor's office. The test is
usually done in the morning before the person has eaten. The normal, nondiabetic
range for blood glucose is from 70 to 110 mg/dl, depending on the type of blood
being tested. If the level is 126 mg/dl or greater, it means the person has
diabetes (except for newborns and some pregnant women).
glucagon- A hormone that raises the level of glucose (sugar) in the
blood. The alpha cells of the pancreas (in areas called the islets of Langerhans)
make glucagon when the body needs to put more sugar into the blood.
glycosuria- Having glucose (sugar) in the urine.
histocompatability antigens- Proteins on the outer part of the cell that
help the body fight illness. These proteins vary from person to person.
Scientists think that people with certain types of HLA antigens are more likely
to develop insulin-dependent diabetes.
homeostasis- When the body is working as it should because all of its
systems are in balance.
hyperglycemia- Too high a level of glucose (sugar) in the blood; a sign
that diabetes is out of control. Many things can cause hyperglycemia. It occurs
when the body does not have enough insulin or cannot use the insulin it does
have to turn glucose into energy. Signs of hyperglycemia are a great thirst, a
dry mouth, and a need to urinate often. For people with insulin-dependent
diabetes, hyperglycemia may lead to diabetic ketoacidosis.
insulin- A hormone that helps the body use glucose (sugar) for energy.
The beta cells of the pancreas (in areas called the islets of Langerhans) make
the insulin. When the body cannot make enough insulin on its own, a person with
diabetes must inject insulin made from other sources, i.e., beef, pork, human
insulin (recombinant DNA origin), or human insulin (pork-derived, semisynthetic).
Islet of Langerhans- Special groups of cells in the pancreas. They make and
secrete hormones that help the body break down and use food. Named after Paul
Langerhans, the German scientist who discovered them in 1869, these cells sit in
clusters in the pancreas. There are five types of cells in an islet: beta cells,
which make insulin; alpha cells, which make glucagon; delta cells, which make
somatostaton; and PP cells and D1 cells, about which little is known.
ketosis- A condition of having ketone bodies build up in body tissues and
fluids. The signs of ketosis are nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Ketosis can
lead to ketoacidosis.
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test- A test to see if a person has diabetes. The
test is given in a lab or doctor's office in the morning before the person has
eaten. A first sample of blood is taken from the person. Then the person drinks
a liquid that has glucose (sugar) in it. After one hour, a second blood sample
is drawn, and, after another hour, a third sample is taken. The object is to see
how well the body deals with the glucose in the blood over time.
pancreas- An organ behind the lower part of the stomach that is about the
size of a hand. It makes insulin so that the body can use glucose (sugar) for
energy. It also makes enzymes that help the body digest food. Spread all over
the pancreas are areas called the islets of Langerhans. The cells in these areas
each have a special purpose. The alpha cells make glucagon, which raises the
level of glucose in the blood; the beta cells make insulin; the delta cells make
somatostatin. There are also the PP cells and the D1 cells, about which little
is known.
Source: http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/diabetes/pubs/dmdict/dmdict.htm