U
U-100
See: Unit of insulin.
Ulcer
A break in the skin; a
deep sore. People with diabetes may get ulcers from minor
scrapes on the feet or legs, from cuts that heal slowly,
or from the rubbing of shoes that do not fit well. Ulcers
can become infected.
Ultralente
Insulin
A type of insulin that is
long acting.
Ultrasound
Test used to monitor
pregnancy and to diagnose neuropathy.
Unit of Insulin
The basic measure of
insulin. U-100 insulin means 100 units of insulin per
milliliter (mL) or cubic centimeter (cc) of solution. Most
insulin made today in the United States is U-100.
Unsaturated Fats
A type of fat. See also:
Fats.
Unstable Diabetes
A type of diabetes when a
person's blood glucose (sugar) level often swings quickly
from high to low and from low to high. Also called
"brittle diabetes" or "labile
diabetes."
Urea
One of the chief waste
products of the body. When the body breaks down food, it
uses what it needs and throws the rest away as waste. The
kidneys flush the waste from the body in the form of urea,
which is in the urine.
Urine Testing
Checking urine to see if
it contains glucose (sugar) and ketones. Special strips of
paper or tablets (called reagents) are put into a small
amount of urine or urine plus water. Changes in the color
of the strip show the amount of glucose or ketones in the
urine. Urine testing is the only way to check for the
presence of ketones, a sign of serious illness. However,
urine testing is less desirable then blood testing for
monitoring the level of glucose in the body. See also:
Blood glucose monitoring; reagents.
Urologist
A doctor who sees men and
women for treatment of the urinary tract and men for
treatment of the genital organs.
V
Vaginitis
An infection of the
vagina usually caused by a fungus. A woman with this
condition may have itching or burning and may notice a
discharge. Women who have diabetes may develop vaginitis
more often than women who do not have diabetes.
Vascular
Relating to the body's
blood vessels (arteries, veins, and capillaries).
Vein
A blood vessel that
carries blood to the heart. See also: Blood vessels.
Visceral
Neuropathy
See: Autonomic
neuropathy.
Vitrectomy
Removing the gel from the
center of the eyeball because it has blood and scar tissue
in it that blocks sight. An eye surgeon replaces the
clouded gel with a clear fluid. See also: Diabetic
retinopathy.
Vitreous Humor
The clear jelly (gel)
that fills the center of the eye.
Void
To empty the bladder in
order to obtain a urine sample for testing.
X
Xylitol
A sweetener found in
plants and used as a substitute for sugar; it is called a
nutritive sweetener because it provides calories, just
like sugar.
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