Glossary of Diabetes - L

L

Labile diabetes

When a person's blood glucose (sugar) level swings quickly from high to low and from low to high. Also called brittle diabetes.

Lactic acidosis

A buildup of lactic acid in the body due to anaerobic use of glucose as a fuel. It is normal when exercising beyond your aerobic capacity and recovery is rapid and complete, as the lactic acid is oxidized as fuel when oxygen becomes available (generally after a period of deep breathing).

Lactose

a disacchararide characteristic of milk, and the only carbohydrate with a beta attachement (characteristic of cellulose) for which humans ever have an enzyme which can break the bond. It is not very sweet to the human taste. In humans, it requires a special enzyme (lactase) for disassembly during digestion. Most humans lose this enzyme in adulthood and milk consumed by those deficient in it encounter problems (e.g., gas, pain, ...) when it becomes available to intestinal bacteria. Some populations do retain the enzyme and can consume milk in adulthood without trouble. Many milk products have already been processed in such a way as to remove or modify lactose: cheeses, most yogurts, cottage cheese, etc. And milk treated with lactase is also safe for the lactose intolerant.

Lancet

A fine, sharp-pointed blade or needle for pricking the skin.

Laser treatment

Using a special strong beam of light of one color (laser) to heal a damaged area. A person with diabetes might be treated with a laser beam to heal blood vessels in the eye. See also: Photocoagulation.

Latent diabetes

Former term for impaired glucose tolerance. See also: Impaired glucose tolerance.

Lente insulin

A type of insulin that is intermediate-acting, between NPH insulin and ultra-lente insulin.

Limited joint mobility

A form of arthritis involving the hand; it causes the fingers to curve inward and the skin on the palm to tighten and thicken. This condition mainly affects people with Type 1 diabetes.

Lipid

Fat / oil. Usually, used in reference to fat in the human body.

Lipoatrophy

Small dents in the skin that form when a person keeps injecting the needle in the same spot. See also: Lipodystrophy.

Lipodystrophy

Lumps or small dents in the skin that form when a person keeps injecting the needle in the same spot.

Low

The state of having low blood sugar.