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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