Medical dictionary

What is a DEXA scan? A dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan, (or bone density scan) is a technique used to measure bone density. The scan is quick and painless and involves the patient lying on their back on an X-ray table. There is no tunnel to pass through as with an MRI or CT scan, so there is no feeling of claustrophobia.   What is the procedure for a DEXA scan? The

What is diabetes? Diabetes mellitus (DM), or just diabetes, refers to a group of metabolic diseases which result in an inability to regulate blood sugar levels. Having too much glucose in your blood can damage the kidneys, eyes, nerves and other parts of the body, including the blood vessels themselves. In extreme cases, diabetes can cause heart disease and strokes, and patients may even requir

What is the diabetes diet?  Correct nutrition is essential for patients who want to be able to control their diabetes, both for type I and II. The diabetic patient needs to know what their nutritional needs are and plan with their dietician to ensure that they are properly controlling their condition, based on the three pillars: diet, insulin, and physical exercise. When a patient has

What is diabetes insipidus? Diabetes insipidus is a rare disorder that is characterised by a defect in the renal tubules, which causes a person to eliminate a large amount of urine and lose too much water. There are several types of diabetes insipidus: central: due to brain damage that hinders the production of vasopressin, the anti-diuretic hormone. nephrogenic: a renal

Type 2 diabetes is a condition where a person has a high blood sugar level, and is often associated with obesity, and is more common as people get older. There are a number of surgical options that can be used to lose weight that have a direct effect on how the body uses insulin, and improves blood sugar levels, making the diabetes much more manageable.   What are the different type

What is diabetic foot? Diabetes can affect the feet in a number of ways and diabetic foot is said to occur when the foot displays symptoms of a condition arising from diabetes or complications of diabetes. This can include a range of problems, such as ulcers and infections. What are the symptoms? Leg ulcers, infection and sores are common complications. In severe cases,

What is diabetic nephropathy?        Diabetic nephropathy, also referred to as diabetic kidney disease, is a type of kidney disease that can occur as a complication in diabetic patients. It is a progressive condition that develops over time, and is one of the leading causes of kidney failure. Diabetic nephropathy is one the main reasons behind kidney transplan

What is diabetic neuropathy? Diabetic neuropathy, also known as diabetes pain, is the result of the action of diabetes on nerve cells in your body. It involves an increasing loss of sensitivity together with physical fatigue. This is due to the condition affecting multiple nerves at the same time, starting from the feet up towards the legs, hands and arms. This nerve-damaging disorder usually s

What is diabetic retinopathy? Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the eye and can severely damage vision, even causing blindness if left untreated. The retina is the layer of cells on the back wall of the inside of the eye. These cells, known as photoreceptor cells, are light-sensitive and can be divided into cones and rods. Light enters through the front of the e