Glossary of HIV/AIDS-Related Terms - AIDSinfo - National Institutes ...

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Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
The primary federal agency for protecting the health of all Americans
and providing essential human services. The Department of Health and
Human Services (HHS) works closely with state and local governments,
and many HHS-funded services are provided at the local level by state
or county agencies, or through private sector grantees. The agency’s 11
operating divisions, including the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the
National Institutes of Health (NIH), collectively administer more than
300 HHS programs.
SEE RELATED TERM(S): Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Food and Drug
Administration, National Institutes of Health
Depression
A mood disorder characterized by sadness, inactivity, and inability to
take pleasure or interest in usual activities. The changes in mood can
interfere with daily life and normal functioning. Use of some
antiretroviral (ARV) drugs may cause depression.
Desensitization
Preventing or reducing a hypersensitivity reaction to a drug by gradually
increasing the dose of the drug.
SEE RELATED TERM(S): Hypersensitivity, Rechallenge
Desert Fever
ALSO KNOWN AS: Coccidioidomycosis
Diabetes
ALSO KNOWN AS: Diabetes Mellitus
A group of diseases characterized by high levels of blood sugar
(glucose). Type I diabetes occurs when the body fails to produce insulin,
which is a hormone that regulates blood sugar. Type II diabetes occurs
when the body either does not produce enough insulin or does not use
insulin normally (insulin resistance). Common symptoms of diabetes
include frequent urination, unusual thirst, and extreme hunger. Use of
some antiretroviral (ARV) drugs may increase the risk of diabetes.
SEE RELATED TERM(S): Hyperglycemia, Insulin Resistance
38 HIV/AIDS Glossary