Diabetes Glossary
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W X
rapid-acting insulin
A type of insulin that starts to lower blood glucose within 5 to 10 minutes after injection and has its strongest effect 30 minutes to 3 hours after injection, depending on the type used. See aspart insulin and lispro insulin.
rebound hyperglycemia (HY-per-gly-SEE-mee-ah)
A swing to a high level of glucose in the blood after a low level. See Somogyi effect.
Recognized Diabetes Education Programs
Diabetes self-management education programs that are approved by the American Diabetes Association.
regular insulin
Short-acting insulin. On average, regular insulin starts to lower blood glucose within 30 minutes after injection. It has its strongest effect 2 to 5 hours after injection but keeps working 5 to 8 hours after injection. Also called R insulin.
renal (REE-nal)
Having to do with the kidneys. A renal disease is a disease of the kidneys. Renal failure means the kidneys have stopped working.
renal threshold of glucose (THRESH-hold)
The blood glucose concentration at which the kidneys start to excrete glucose into the urine.
repaglinide (reh-PAG-lih-nide)
An oral medicine used to treat Type 2 diabetes. It lowers blood glucose by helping the pancreas make more insulin right after meals. Belongs to the class of medicines called meglitinides. (Brand name: Prandin®)
retina (REH-ti-nuh)
The light-sensitive layer of tissue that lines the back of the eye.
risk factor
Anything that raises the chances of a person developing a disease.
rosiglitazone (rose-ee-GLIH-tuh-zone)
An oral medicine used to treat Type 2 diabetes. It helps insulin take glucose from the blood into the cells for energy by making cells more sensitive to insulin. Belongs to the class of medicines called thiazolidinediones. (Brand name: Avandia®)
