Amlodipine, sold under the brand name Norvasc, belongs to a class of medications called calcium channel blockers. Amlodipine is mainly used to treat high blood pressure and angina caused by coronary heart disease. Amlodipine relaxes blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard.

Insulin resistance is a condition that keeps the body from using the insulin that it does produce in a proper manner. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that helps the body use glucose for energy. In the form of sugar, glucose is the main source of energy for the body.

Peanuts are a popular American snack food, and if you have diabetes you may wonder if you can also enjoy this nutritious favorite. While concerns about the impact of nuts on your weight and blood sugars may stop you in your tracks, there is good news.

Sausage, a common breakfast meat in the United States, is typically made from ground beef, pork or a mixture of the two. This breakfast meat is commonly served as with egg dishes and pancakes, and is also used in breakfast dishes such as quiche, omelettes and frittatas.

Peripheral neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that affects the way your body's nerves send signals to the arms and legs. People who have peripheral neuropathy often feel a numbness, tingling sensation or burning in the hands and feet. The altered sensations may also travel to the limbs.

Inflammation is a normal immune system response that functions to protect the body from infection and diseases. During inflammation, white blood cells and other body chemicals attempt to remove any potentially harmful substances from the body.

Just as we receive and act on signals from our environment, our cells also receive and act on signals from their environment, our bodies. This is a necessary biological occurrence that keeps cells alive and functioning.

The vestibulocochlear nerve, also known as cranial nerve XIII, is a special sensory nerve with two nerve branches. The vestibular branch of the nerve aids in balance control, allowing the individual to ascertain their spatial positioning and maintain upright posture.

The auditory nerve is responsible for transmitting sounds from the sensory portions of the ear to the brain. Damage to the auditory nerve can lead to a form of deafness called sensorineural hearing loss. Because this form of hearing loss is caused by nerve damage, it can be especially difficult to treat.

Dairy foods and meat contain conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). It is also available as a dietary supplement. CLA contains a mixture of different chemical forms -- or isomers -- of linoleic acid, a type of fat your body needs to function properly.

The bacterium Clostridium tetani is the causative agent of tetanus, commonly known as lockjaw. The bacteria most commonly enter the body through a skin wound. Clostridium tetani bacteria produce a protein called tetanospasmin or tetanus toxin, which attacks nerve cells, causing spasms.

Caffeine is the most widely consumed and unregulated stimulant in the world. The majority of Americans knowingly or unknowingly consume caffeine each day, usually from coffee, tea and soda, but also from chocolate, energy drinks and many over-the-counter medications.