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Pancreas: An organ that makes insulin and enzymes for digestion. The pancreas is located behind the lower part of the stomach and is about the size of a hand.

Pancreas transplantation: A surgical procedure to take a healthy whole or partial pancreas from a donor and place it into a person with diabetes.

Pediatric endocrinologist: A doctor who treats children who have endocrine gland problems such as diabetes.

Pedorthist: A health care professional who specializes in fitting shoes for people with disabilities or deformities. A pedorthist can custom-make shoes or orthotics (special inserts for shoes).

Periodontal disease: A gum disease in which the gums shrink away from the teeth. Without treatment, it can lead to tooth loss.

Periodontist: A dentist who specializes in treating people who have gum diseases.

Peripheral neuropathy: Nerve damage that affects the feet, legs, or hands. Peripheral neuropathy causes pain, numbness, or a tingling feeling.

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD): A disease of the large blood vessels of the arms, legs, and feet. PVD may occur when major blood vessels in these areas are blocked and do not receive enough blood. The signs of PVD are aching pains and slow-healing foot sores.

Peritoneal dialysis: See dialysis.

Photocoagulation: A treatment for diabetic retinopathy. A strong beam of light (laser) is used to seal off bleeding blood vessels in the eye and to burn away extra blood vessels that should not have grown there.

Plaque: A film of mucus that traps bacteria on the surface of the teeth. Plaque can be removed with daily brushing and flossing of teeth.

Podiatrist: A doctor who treats people who have foot problems. Podiatrists also help people keep their feet healthy by providing regular foot examinations and treatment.

Podiatry: The care and treatment of feet.

Point system: A meal planning system that uses points to rate the caloric content of foods.

Polydipsia: Excessive thirst; may be a sign of diabetes.

Polyphagia: Excessive hunger; may be a sign of diabetes.

Polyuria: Excessive urination; may be a sign of diabetes.

Postprandial blood glucose: The blood glucose level taken 1 to 2 hours after eating.

Pre-diabetes: A condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but are not high enough for a diagnosis of diabetes. People with pre-diabetes are at increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes and for heart disease and stroke. Other names for pre-diabetes are impaired glucose tolerance and impaired fasting glucose.

Premixed insulin: A commercially produced combination of two different types of insulin. See 50/50 insulin and 70/30 insulin.

Preprandial blood glucose: The blood glucose level taken before eating.

Proinsulin: The substance made first in the pancreas and then broken into several pieces to become insulin.

Proliferative retinopathy: A condition in which fragile new blood vessels grow along the retina and in the vitreous humor of the eye.

Prosthesis: A man-made substitute for a missing body part such as an arm or a leg.

Protein: 1. One of the three main nutrients in food. Foods that provide protein include meat, poultry, fish, cheese, milk, dairy products, eggs, and dried beans. 2. Proteins are also used in the body for cell structure, hormones such as insulin, and other functions.

Proteinuria: The presence of protein in the urine, indicating that the kidneys are not working properly.

Pumice Stone: A special foot care tool used to gently file calluses as instructed by your health care team.

Pump: See insulin pump.