Abbreviations Flashcards
ACTH
Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
From pituitary gland; regulates cortisol and androgen production.
DM
Diabetes Mellitus
Metabolic disease involving inappropriately elevated blood glucose levels.
Type 1 and Type 2.
GH
Growth Hormone
Produced by our brain’s pituitary gland and governs our height, bone length and muscle growth.
GTT
Glucose Tolerance Test
A lab test to check how your body moves sugar from blood into tissue like muscle and fat.
Often used to diagnose diabetes.
HbA1c
Hemoglobin A1c measures the average amount of glucose in red blood cells.
Useful to follow control of glucose in diabetic patients.
K+
Potassium
An electrolyte, found naturally in many foods and as a supplement.
Main role in the body to help maintain normal levels of fluid inside our cells.
Na+
Sodium
An electrolyte, essential nutrient involved in the maintenance of a normal cellular homeostasis and in the regulation of fluid and electrolyte balance and blood pressure.
RAIU
Radioactive Iodine Uptake
Test for thyroid function; measures the amount of radioactive iodine (taken by mouth) that accumulates in the thyroid gland.
T3
Triiodothyronine
Hormone from the thyroid gland; plays an important role in the body and control of metabolism.
T4
Thyroxine
Hormone from the thyroid gland; controls how much energy your body uses.
TSH
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone
From pituitary gland;
tells thyroid how much thyroid hormone it needs to make.
PTH
Parathyroid Hormone
Regulates calcium levels in the blood, largely by increasing the levels when they are too low.
DK
Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Develops when your body doesn’t have enough insulin to allow blood sugar into your cells for use as energy.
DI
Diabetes Insipidus
Rare disorder that causes body to make to much urine; frequent urination (polyuria).
Ca+
Mineral in the body that builds and maintain strong bones and carry out many important functions; stored in teeth and bones.
