Common Diabetes Terms

Diabetes is a complicated condition that affects millions of people around the world. Understanding the lingo is key to managing it.

The following overview of terms breaks down diabetes terminology so that those living with the condition can navigate medical terminology more confidently and talk to healthcare professionals more effectively.

Basic Terminology

A1C

A1C or HbA1c is a blood test that involves taking blood samples to measure the average blood glucose over the past 2-3 months. This test shows how well diabetes is being managed. An A1C of 6.5% or higher on 2 separate tests is typically diabetes.

Blood Sugar

Blood sugar or blood glucose is the sugar in the blood that feeds the body’s cells. It’s the body’s primary energy source and is controlled by insulin.

Blood Sugar Level

Blood sugar level or blood glucose level is the amount of glucose in the blood at any given time. Monitoring these levels is key to managing diabetes. A person without diabetes has fasting blood sugar levels of 70-99 mg/dL and less than 140 mg/dL 2 hours after eating.

Carbohydrate

Carbohydrates are nutrients in foods and drinks that are the body’s main energy source. They are found in fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy products. When we eat carbohydrates, they break down into glucose, which the body’s cells use for energy. People with diabetes must manage their carbohydrate intake to keep blood sugar levels in check.

Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterised by high blood glucose levels over a long period. It can be caused by the body not producing enough insulin (Type 1 Diabetes) or the body’s inability to use insulin effectively (Type 2 Diabetes). Common symptoms are increased thirst, frequent urination and unexplained weight loss.

Glucose

Glucose is a simple sugar that is the body’s primary energy source. From the carbohydrates in the diet, glucose is broken down and circulates in the blood, where it is used by cells for energy and growth. Insulin and glucagon control glucose levels in the blood. When we eat a meal, especially a meal high in carbohydrates, the digestive system breaks down the food into glucose. This triggers the pancreas to release insulin to help cells absorb and use the glucose for energy.

Hyperglycemia

Hyperglycemia is high blood sugar. It occurs when the body has too little insulin or cannot use insulin effectively. Causes include overeating carbohydrates, stress, or missed diabetes medication.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is low blood sugar. It can be caused by taking too much insulin or other diabetes medication, not eating enough, or excessive exercise in people with diabetes. Symptoms include shakiness, confusion, dizziness, and lightheadedness. It’s treated by consuming a quick source of sugar like fruit juice or glucose tablets.

Insulin

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that controls blood sugar levels. It enables the body to use glucose from carbohydrates for energy or to store glucose for later use. Insulin prevents blood sugar levels from getting too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia). People with Type 1 Diabetes can’t produce insulin and need insulin injections to manage blood sugar levels.

Juvenile Diabetes

Juvenile Diabetes, also known as Type 1 Diabetes, is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. This type of diabetes can occur in childhood or adolescence but can also occur in adults. It’s an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Treatment involves insulin therapy, blood sugar monitoring, and carbohydrate management.

LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults)

LADA is a type of diabetes that has characteristics of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes. It’s diagnosed in adulthood and is characterized by the gradual onset of insulin deficiency due to the autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Unlike Type 1 Diabetes, it develops slowly and can initially be mistaken for Type 2 Diabetes. While oral medications can help initially, insulin therapy will be needed later on.

mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter)

mg/dL is a unit of measurement to measure the concentration of substances in the blood, commonly used in the US to measure blood glucose. Normal fasting blood glucose is 70 to 99 mg/dL for non-diabetic.

mmol/L (millimoles per liter)

mmol/L is a unit of measurement for the concentration of substances in the blood, commonly used in countries that follow the metric system. For blood glucose, normal fasting blood glucose is 4.0 to 5.4 mmol/L (72 to 99 mg/dL) for non-diabetic.

Pancreas

The pancreas is an organ in the abdomen that converts food into fuel for the body’s cells. It produces insulin and other enzymes and hormones that help break down food.

Pre-diabetes

Pre-diabetes, also known as impaired glucose tolerance, is a condition where blood sugar is higher than normal but not high enough to be considered diabetes. It means you are at risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. Lifestyle changes like diet and exercise can manage and delay the progression from pre-diabetes to diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin. It is usually diagnosed in children and young adults but can occur at any age. Management involves insulin therapy, blood sugar monitoring, diet, and exercise.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body cannot effectively use insulin, resulting in high blood sugar levels. Unlike Type 1 Diabetes, it is often associated with lifestyle factors like obesity and lack of physical activity. Management involves lifestyle changes, medications, and sometimes insulin therapy. More here.

The oral glucose tolerance test is often used to diagnose Type 2 Diabetes.

Medical Terms

Autoimmune Disease

An autoimmune disease is when the immune system attacks healthy body tissue. It produces antibodies that target harmful pathogens but end up attacking normal cells. Type 1 diabetes is an example where the immune system destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, reducing the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar. Other autoimmune diseases are rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

Alpha Cell

Alpha cells are found in the pancreas and produce glucagon. This hormone tells the liver to release stored glucose into the bloodstream when blood sugar levels drop. When you miss a meal, alpha cells release glucagon to prevent blood sugar from getting too low.

Basal Rate

Basal rate is the continuous, low level of insulin provided by the insulin pump. It is like the pancreas’s steady insulin release when not eating. Managing blood sugar is important for people with diabetes who use an insulin pump.

Beta-Cell

Beta cells in the pancreas produce and release insulin, the key player in glucose metabolism. In Type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks and destroys these beta cells, resulting in insulin deficiency and blood sugar regulation issues.

Endocrinologist

An endocrinologist is a doctor who specializes in the endocrine system, which includes glands that produce hormones. They manage diseases of these glands, like diabetes and thyroid disorders. People with uncontrolled Type 2 diabetes may need to see an endocrinologist for specialized care.

Dead in bed syndrome (DIB)

Dead-in-bed syndrome is a rare condition seen in people with Type 1 diabetes, where they die suddenly and unexplained during sleep. This often occurs without prior symptoms or distress, and the person is found in an undisturbed bed. Hypoglycemia is often associated with this condition, which is a major concern for young, otherwise healthy individuals with diabetes.

Diabulimia

Diabulimia is an eating disorder where people with Type 1 diabetes deliberately reduce or stop taking their insulin to lose weight. This dangerous behavior can lead to serious complications due to poor blood sugar management.

Ketones

Ketones are chemicals produced in the liver when the body uses fat instead of glucose for energy because of insufficient insulin. High levels of ketones can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious condition often seen in Type 1 diabetes. Missing an insulin dose can cause high ketone levels and increase the risk of ketoacidosis.

Treatment and Management

Bolus

A bolus is an extra dose of insulin taken to manage a rise in blood sugar, often after eating. This adjustment helps to keep blood glucose levels stable after consuming carbs. People with diabetes need to calculate the right bolus dose to match the carbs they will be eating.

Carbohydrate Counting

Carbohydrate counting or “carb counting” helps people with diabetes manage blood sugar. Individuals can determine the right amount of insulin by calculating the carbs in each meal or snack. This gives flexibility in food choices and balances food intake, physical activity, and insulin.

Diabetes Educator

A Diabetes Educator is a healthcare professional who teaches and supports people with diabetes. They teach about nutrition, physical activity, medication management, and blood sugar monitoring. These educators help patients develop self-management skills to improve their health.

Dietary Management

Dietary management is the strategic planning of food intake to control blood sugar and improve health. This includes balancing carbs, fats, and proteins while considering lifestyle, medication, and other health conditions. Good food choices directly affect blood sugar, weight, and cardiovascular health.

Dietitian

A dietitian is a professional in human nutrition and dietetics. They provide personalized nutritional advice based on scientific research for conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, allergies, and obesity. Dietitians help tailor dietary plans to meet individual health needs.

Glucose Tablets

Glucose tablets are a fast source of glucose used to treat low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). These tablets quickly raise blood sugar levels and are commonly used by people with diabetes. Each tablet contains about 4 grams of glucose, effectively addressing hypoglycemia symptoms.

Hypoglycemia Unawareness

Hypoglycemia unawareness is when a person with diabetes does not feel the typical low blood sugar symptoms until it becomes severe. This condition increases the risk of severe hypoglycemia and can lead to unconsciousness or seizures. Frequent blood sugar monitoring is crucial to avoid severe hypoglycemia.

Fructose

Fructose is a simple sugar found in fruits, honey, and vegetables. It is a component of table sugar and high-fructose corn syrup used in many processed foods. Unlike glucose, fructose does not raise blood sugar. Excessive consumption can cause health problems like obesity and insulin resistance.

Insulin Therapy / Injection

Insulin therapy involves taking insulin to control blood sugar. It is necessary for people with Type 1 diabetes and sometimes for those with Type 2 or gestational diabetes. Insulin helps to compensate for the body’s lack of insulin production or resistance.

Physical Activity

Physical activity is important in diabetes management. It helps to control blood sugar, improve insulin sensitivity, aid in weight management, and reduce cardiovascular disease.

Self-monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG)

Self-monitoring of blood glucose is checking blood sugar levels regularly using a blood glucose meter. It is important for people with diabetes to make informed decisions about diet, exercise, and medication.

Technology and Devices

Blood Glucose Meter

A blood glucose meter is a small portable device for self-monitoring blood glucose levels. To use it, you prick your finger to obtain a small blood sample and place it on a test strip in the meter. This will give you a quick reading of the glucose level in the blood.

Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)

A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) tracks blood glucose levels throughout the day and night. It uses a small sensor inserted under the skin, which transmits data to a receiver, smartphone, or insulin pump. A CGM is useful for people with Type 1 diabetes as it gives alerts if glucose levels are too high or too low even during sleep or exercise.

Insulin Pen

An insulin pen is a device for injecting insulin that looks like a pen. It has a cartridge of insulin and a fine needle at the end. Insulin pens are popular for their convenience, ease of use, and accurate dosing. They are an alternative to traditional insulin syringes and are widely used by people with diabetes.

Insulin Pump

An insulin pump is a small computerized device that continuously delivers insulin to the body. It mimics the pancreas’s natural insulin production by giving a basal rate of insulin and bolus doses at meal times. Insulin pumps help maintain stable blood glucose levels and can be paired with CGMs for better glucose management.

Mobile Health Apps

Mobile health apps are for smartphones and tablets to help users manage their health and wellness. These apps are useful for people with diabetes with features such as:

• Blood glucose tracking

• Medication reminders

• Dietary logging

• Physical activity monitoring

These features help users to track their health data and make informed decisions about their diabetes management.

Syringe

In diabetes management, a syringe is a medical device used to inject insulin. It has a hollow needle attached to a barrel with a plunger. People on insulin therapy must use the right syringe size for their insulin dose and change injection sites regularly to avoid tissue damage. Insulin syringes are for those who prefer or need a traditional insulin delivery method.

Use the right syringe size and change the injection site regularly to avoid tissue damage.

Medication

Apidra

Apidra (insulin glulisine) is a rapid-acting insulin analog used to control high blood sugar in adults and children with diabetes. It starts to work in about 15 minutes, peaks in about 1 hour, and lasts for 2 to 4 hours. Apidra is taken shortly before or after meals to manage post-meal blood sugar spikes.

Basaglar

Basaglar (insulin glargine) is a long-acting insulin analog. It provides a steady level of insulin over a 24-hour period and helps maintain baseline blood sugar levels. Basaglar is taken once a day, often with mealtime insulin.

Fiasp

Fiasp (insulin aspart) is a fast-acting insulin analog. It works faster than regular insulin aspart and is taken at the start of a meal. Fiasp is injected before or within 20 minutes of starting a meal to manage post-meal blood sugar spikes.

Glucagon

Glucagon is a hormone that raises blood glucose levels. It is used in emergency situations to treat severe hypoglycemia when someone with diabetes cannot take sugar orally. A glucagon injection can quickly raise blood sugar levels in such cases.

Humalog

Humalog (insulin lispro) is a rapid-acting insulin analog. It is taken before meals to manage post-meal blood sugar spikes. Humalog is injected 15 minutes before a meal to counteract the rise in blood sugar after eating.

Insulatard

Insulatard is an intermediate-acting insulin with a slower onset and longer duration than short-acting insulins. It is taken once or twice a day to provide background insulin and manage blood sugar levels throughout the day and night.

Lantus

Lantus (insulin glargine) is a long-acting insulin analog. It gives a steady level of insulin over a 24-hour period. Lantus is taken once a day at the same time to maintain baseline blood sugar levels.

Long-Acting Insulin

Long-acting insulins work over a longer period, usually 20-24 hours, to maintain a baseline blood sugar level. Examples are Lantus (insulin glargine) and Levemir (insulin detemir), which are taken once or twice a day.

Metformin

Metformin is an oral medication used for Type 2 diabetes. It reduces glucose production in the liver, improves insulin sensitivity, and decreases glucose absorption from the intestines.

Mixed Dose

A mixed dose is a combination of two types of insulin in one injection, usually rapid-acting or short-acting insulin with intermediate-acting insulin. For example, NovoLog Mix 70/30 is 70% intermediate-acting and 30% rapid-acting insulin, giving both immediate and prolonged action.

Novolog

Novolog (insulin aspart) is a rapid-acting insulin analog. It is taken before meals to manage blood sugar spikes. Novolog is injected 5-10 minutes before a meal to reduce post-meal blood sugar elevations.

Novorapid

NovoRapid, also known as Novolog in the US, is a rapid-acting insulin analog (insulin aspart) that is taken before or after meals to manage blood sugar spikes.

Regular Insulin

Regular or short-acting insulin starts to lower blood sugar 30 minutes after injection, peaks at 2-3 hours, and lasts 5-8 hours. Regular insulin, such as Humulin R or Novolin R, is taken 30 minutes before meals to manage post-meal blood sugar spikes.

Rapid-Acting Insulin

Rapid-acting insulin works within 15 minutes of injection, peaks in 1 hour, and lasts 2-4 hours. It is used to manage blood sugar spikes during meals. Examples are Humalog, Novolog, and Apidra, which are taken before or after meals.

Short-Acting Insulin

Short-acting insulin, also known as regular insulin, starts to lower blood sugar 30 minutes after injection, peaking 2-3 hours and lasting 5-8 hours. It is taken before meals, like Humulin R and Novolin R, and is injected 30 minutes before eating.

Toujeo

Toujeo (insulin glargine) is a long-acting insulin analog that lasts up to 36 hours. It gives steady insulin release and is taken once daily. This helps maintain steady blood sugar levels and is often combined with mealtime insulin.

Very-Long-Acting Insulin

Very-long-acting insulins have a long duration, longer than 24 hours. These insulins, like Toujeo and Tresiba, give stable and prolonged insulin release, often only once daily. They help to manage blood sugar levels day and night.

Nutrition and Diet

Aspartame

Aspartame is an artificial sweetener 200 times sweeter than sucrose. It’s a low-calorie alternative to sugar, so it’s found in diet sodas, sugar-free gum, and desserts. In the body, aspartame breaks down into phenylalanine, aspartic acid, and methanol. For people with diabetes, aspartame helps to avoid the high sugar content of regular sodas, making it easier to manage blood sugar levels.

Glycemic Index

The glycemic index (GI) measures how much specific foods increase blood sugar levels. Foods are ranked from 0 to 100. High-GI foods like white bread and short-grain white rice increase blood sugar quickly. Low-GI foods like legumes and whole grains cause a gradual rise in blood sugar. Choosing low-GI foods helps people with diabetes to have more stable blood sugar levels.

Food	Glycemic Index
White Bread	70+
Short-grain White Rice	70+
Legumes	Below 55
Whole Grains	Below 55

Glycemic Load

Glycemic Load (GL) measures how much a food will raise blood glucose levels, taking into account both GI and portion size. This gives a more complete picture of a food’s effect on blood sugar. For example, watermelon has a high GI but low GL because of its low carb content per serving.

Low-GI Diet

A low-GI diet is eating foods that are digested slowly so blood sugar levels rise slowly. This is often recommended for people with diabetes. People on a low-GI diet might choose brown rice or whole-grain bread over white rice and white bread because whole grains have a lower glycemic index.

LDL Cholesterol

LDL cholesterol, or “bad” cholesterol, can build up in blood vessel walls and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. High LDL cholesterol is particularly concerning for people with diabetes as they are more prone to cardiovascular diseases. Monitoring and managing LDL levels is key to reducing these risks.

Sugar Alcohols

Sugar alcohols are low-calorie sweeteners found in sugar-free and reduced-sugar foods. Examples are xylitol, erythritol, sorbitol, and mannitol. These sweeteners have fewer calories than sugar and have less effect on blood sugar levels than other carbohydrates.

Sugar Alcohol	Calories per Gram	Effect on Blood Sugar
Xylitol	2.4	Low
Erythritol	0.2	Very Low
Sorbitol	2.6	Low
Mannitol	1.6	Low

Sucrose

Sucrose, or table sugar, is a natural carbohydrate made of glucose and fructose. It’s used in the food industry, in cooking, and to sweeten foods. Found in baked goods, candies, and soft drinks, sucrose is the “added sugar” listed on food labels.

Sugar

Sugars are sweet-tasting, soluble carbohydrates like glucose, fructose, and sucrose. They’re added to desserts, cereals, and beverages for flavor. Excessive sugar intake is linked to health problems like diabetes and obesity. Monitoring and limiting sugar intake is key for people with diabetes to manage their blood sugar levels.

Complications

Complications (of diabetes)

People with diabetes have several complications due to high blood sugar levels for a long time. These complications can be cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy, foot damage, and various skin conditions. Managing blood sugar levels can reduce the risk of these complications.

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is a severe condition that usually occurs in people with Type 1 diabetes but can also happen in people with Type 2 diabetes. DKA happens when the body burns fat instead of glucose for energy because of a lack of insulin, resulting in high levels of blood acids called ketones. Symptoms are nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid breathing, and a fruity smell in the breath. Immediate medical treatment with insulin and fluids is needed to manage DKA.

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and is characterized by high blood sugar levels. It can affect the mother’s health and the baby’s development. Although it usually resolves after the baby is born, gestational diabetes increases the risk of the mother developing Type 2 diabetes later. Pregnant women are usually screened for this condition with a glucose tolerance test. Treatment includes monitoring blood sugar levels, dietary adjustments, exercise, and possibly insulin therapy.

Glaucoma

People with diabetes are more prone to glaucoma, a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve and can lead to blindness. High eye pressure is the usual cause of this damage. Early detection through regular eye exams is key to managing glaucoma. Treatment may involve eye drops, laser treatments, or surgery to lower eye pressure and protect the optic nerve from further damage.

Ketosis

Ketosis happens when the body burns fat for energy, producing ketones, especially when carbohydrates are low. Unlike diabetic ketoacidosis, dietary ketosis is not harmful and is a state achieved through low-carb diets like the ketogenic diet. This metabolic state uses fat as the primary source of energy, which can lead to weight loss and other health benefits for some people.

Neuropathy

Nerve damage or neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes, especially when blood sugar levels are high for a long time. It usually affects the nerves in the feet and legs but can also affect other body parts. Symptoms are numbness, tingling, or pain in the affected areas. Managing blood sugar levels and taking preventive measures can reduce the risk of developing diabetic neuropathy.

Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy affects the eyes and is caused by damage to the blood vessels in the retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. If not managed properly, this condition can lead to vision impairment and blindness. Regular eye exams are key to detecting diabetic retinopathy early. Treatments are available to slow or prevent vision loss, so early detection and management are important.

Brands

Abbott Laboratories

Abbott offers diabetes care products, such as the FreeStyle series of blood glucose monitoring systems and FreeStyle Libre, a continuous glucose monitoring system.

AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a biopharmaceutical company focused on discovering and developing prescription medicines. They have diabetes medicines such as Farxiga (dapagliflozin).

Bayer

Bayer’s diabetes care division develops blood glucose meters and other products that simplify diabetes management, making life easier for users.

Dexcom

Dexcom is a continuous glucose monitoring system like Dexcom G6, which offers real-time glucose readings, data sharing, and alerts for high and low blood sugar levels.

Eli Lilly and Company

Eli Lilly and Company is a major player in the diabetes care market, offering insulins like Humalog and Basaglar and other medicines and treatment solutions.

Insulet Corporation

Insulet is the maker of the Omnipod Insulin Management System, a tubeless, waterproof insulin pump that delivers insulin without the need for multiple daily injections.

Johnson & Johnson (LifeScan, Inc.)

LifeScan, Inc., formerly part of Johnson & Johnson, is known for its OneTouch brand of blood glucose monitoring systems, which are used in diabetes management.

Medtronic

Medtronic has advanced medical technologies like continuous glucose monitoring systems and insulin pumps to help people manage their diabetes better.

Novo Nordisk

Novo Nordisk is a global healthcare company with over 95 years of history in diabetes care. They have many diabetes products, including insulin, pen needles, and blood sugar monitoring devices.

Roche Diabetes Care

Roche Diabetes Care is a division of the global healthcare company Roche. It is known for its Accu-Chek line of blood glucose meters, insulin pumps, and lancing devices.

Sanofi

Sanofi is a multinational pharmaceutical company that has diabetes solutions including insulin products like Lantus and Apidra and blood glucose monitoring systems.

Tandem Diabetes Care

Tandem Diabetes Care makes insulin pumps like t X2 with touch screen and CGM integration.