Dictionary

intensive care See critical care.

intelligence test A questionnaire or series of exercises designed to measure intelligence. There are many types of intelligence tests, and they may measure learning and/or ability in a wide variety of areas and skills. Scores may be presented as an IQ (intelligence quotient), as a mental age, or on a scale.

intelligence quotient See IQ.

intelligence, verbal The innate or learned ability to understand and answer questions given in writing or verbally.

intelligence, nonverbal The innate or learned ability to understand and carry out motor tasks, such as solving physical puzzles. Also known as performance IQ.

insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus See diabetes, type 1.

insulin shock See diabetic shock.

insulin reaction See diabetic shock.

insulin pump A mechanical device used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus that delivers insulin 24 hours per day via a catheter placed under the skin. Insulin pumps deliver basal insulin doses, and user controls allow for the administration of bolus doses of insulin for carbohydrate-containing meals as well as corrective or supplemental doses when…

insulin A hormone that is made by the beta cells in the islets of Langerhans of the pancreas and that controls the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Insulin helps the body use glucose for energy. Cells cannot utilize glucose without insulin. If the beta cells that make insulin degenerate, preventing the body from…

insufficiency, pancreatic See pancreatic insufficiency.

Institute of Medicine A nonprofit organization established in 1970 as a component of the US National Academy of Sciences that works outside the framework of government to provide evidencebased research and recommendations for public health and science policy. Abbreviated IOM. The IOM is also an honorific membership organization.