IDDM glossary
A | B | C | D | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | R | S | T
A
Acidosis: Acidosis is a medical condition that is characterised by an excessive accumulation of acid in the body’s fluids, leading to a decrease in the pH of the blood and other bodily fluids. It can have various underlying causes and can occur in different forms, such as metabolic acidosis and respiratory acidosis.
Autoimmune disease: Autoimmune disease is a category of disorders in which the body’s immune system mistakenly targets and attacks its own healthy cells, tissues, or organs. It can affect virtually any part of the body, resulting in a wide range of symptoms and conditions.
B
Basal Insulin: The background insulin required to maintain stable blood sugar levels between meals and overnight.
Beta cell(s): Beta cells are specialised cells located in the pancreas. These cells play a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels within the body. Their main function is to produce and release insulin, a hormone that helps control the amount of glucose (sugar) in the bloodstream.
Blood glucose/sugar: The amount of sugar (glucose) present in the bloodstream. It is typically measured in millimoles per liter (mmol/L) in the UK, or milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) in the U.S.
Bolus Insulin: Insulin taken before or after meals to cover the rise in blood sugar after eating. Check out the easy bolus calculator on sangdoux.com.
C
Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are one of the three main classes of macronutrients, along with proteins and fats. They serve as a primary source of energy for the body. When consumed and digested, carbohydrates are broken down into glucose, which can be absorbed into the bloodstream and used by cells for energy. There are three main types of carbohydrates: simple carbohydrates (sugars), complex carbohydrates (starches), and Dietary fibre.
Carbohydrate Counting: A method used to calculate insulin doses based on the number of carbohydrates consumed in a meal.
Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM): A device that measures glucose levels continuously throughout the day and night. It provides real-time data and trends to aid in diabetes management.
Correction Factor: A term used in insulin therapy to indicate how much one unit of insulin will lower blood sugar levels.
D
Dawn Phenomenon: A natural increase in insulin resistance and glucose production that occurs in the early morning, leading to higher blood sugar levels.
Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA): A life-threatening condition that can occur in Type 1 diabetes due to a severe lack of insulin, leading to a buildup of ketones in the blood.
F
Fat: Fat is a type of macronutrient that is made up of molecules called fatty acids. These fatty acids can be divided into three main categories: saturated fats, monounsaturated fats, and polyunsaturated fats.
Fibre: (Dietary) fibre is a type of carbohydrate that cannot be digested or absorbed. Instead, fibre passes through the digestive system mostly intact. It is crucial in promoting digestive health and overall well-being. There are two main types of dietary fibre: soluble fibre, and insoluble fibre. Fibre offers many health benefits including blood sugar regulation.
Fructose: Fructose is a natural sugar that can be found in fruits or honey. It is a simple carbohydrate (monosaccharides). When consumed in the form of fruits for example, fructose is usually accompanied by fibre, water, and other nutrients, which can slow down its absorption and help regulate its effects on blood sugar. When consumed in concentrated form (e.g. high-fructose corn syrup), however, it can have negative health impacts.
G
Glucagon: A hormone that raises blood sugar levels by promoting the release of glucose from the liver.
Glycaemic Index (GI): The glycaemic index, or glycemic index (often written without the a), is a numerical ranking system that measures how quickly and dramatically foods containing available, or digestible, carbohydrates raise blood glucose levels when compared to a reference food (usually pure glucose). You can learn more about it in this blog post.
Glycated Hemoglobin (HbA1c): A blood test that provides an average of a person’s blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. It’s used to monitor long-term glucose control.
H
Hyperglycemia: High blood sugar levels, usually above 180 mg/dL. If not properly managed, it can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (in Type 1 diabetes) or long-term complications (in both types).
Hypoglycemia: A condition characterized by low blood sugar levels (typically below 70 mg/dL). It can lead to symptoms like shakiness, dizziness, sweating, and confusion.
I
Insulin: A hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas. It helps regulate blood sugar levels by facilitating the absorption of glucose into cells.
Insulin Pen: A portable device that looks like a pen, used to inject insulin into the body.
Insulin Pump: A small device that delivers insulin continuously through a tiny tube inserted under the skin. It can provide both basal (background) and bolus (mealtime) insulin.
Insulin resistance: Insulin resistance is a condition in which the cells respond less to the effects of insulin. Although the body is producing insulin it is not as effective at facilitating the uptake of glucose from the bloodstream as the cells don’t respond well to the insulin signal.
Insulin-to-Carbohydrate Ratio (ICR): The number of grams of carbohydrates covered by one unit of insulin.
K
Ketoacidosis: See diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
L
Lancet: A small, sharp needle used to prick the skin for blood glucose testing.
Long-lasting insulin: See Basal insulin
M
Metabolism: Metabolism is the body’s process that turns food into energy to keep us alive and provide the power for things like breathing, moving, and thinking.
mmol/l: mmol/l stands for millimoles per liter. It’s a way to measure the concentration of glucose in your blood.
N
Neuropathy: Neuropathy is a medical term to describe the damage or dysfunction of the nerves, particularly those that connect the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) to various parts of the body, such as the limbs, organs, and skin.
O
Ophthalmology: Ophthalmology is the field of medicine that focuses on the health of the eyes and the treatment of eye-related issues.
P
Pancreas: The pancreas is a small yet important organ in your belly, which fulfills two jobs – digestion and blood glucose control.
Podiatrist: A podiatrist is a healthcare professional who focuses on the care and treatment of the feet, ankles, and lower limbs.
Protein: Protein is one of the three major types of macronutrients, alongside carbohydrates and fats. It’s made up of tiny units called amino acids. These amino acids are like the “bricks” that your body uses to build and repair tissues, such as muscles, skin, organs, and even enzymes and hormones. Protein is essential for growth, maintaining body structures, and performing various functions in your body.
R
Rapid-acting insulin: See Bolus insulin
S
Sick Day Management: Guidelines for adjusting insulin doses and managing diabetes when the person is ill, as illness can affect blood sugar levels.
T
Type 1 Diabetes: A chronic autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, resulting in little to no insulin production.
Type 2 Diabetes: A metabolic disorder where the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels.
Do you have any other terms that are missing on this list? Fire away!
Picture created by the talented artist: Daniele Levis Pelusi (via Unsplash)