A1c (hemoglobin A1c): A blood test that measures average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. It's a key indicator of diabetes management.
Autoimmune disease: A condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks and damages the body's own cells or tissues, as seen in type 1 diabetes.
B
Basal insulin: The long-acting insulin that provides a continuous, background level of insulin to maintain stable blood sugar levels between meals and overnight.
Blood glucose: The amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood. It's commonly referred to as blood sugar.
Bolus: A dose of insulin taken to cover a specific meal or to correct high blood sugar.
C
Carbohydrates (Carbs): Nutrients found in food that are broken down into glucose, impacting blood sugar levels.
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM): A device that continuously measures blood sugar levels and provides real-time data.
Complications: Long-term health problems that can result from uncontrolled diabetes, including heart disease, kidney disease, and neuropathy.
D
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA): A severe complication of diabetes characterized by high blood sugar, dehydration, and the presence of ketones in the blood, which can be life-threatening.
E
Endocrinologist: A medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and management of endocrine disorders, including diabetes. An endocrinologist is a key health care provider for individuals with diabetes, especially when more specialized care is needed.
G
Glucose meter: A device used to measure blood sugar levels with a drop of blood from a fingerstick.
H
Hyperglycemia: A condition characterized by high blood sugar levels. Symptoms may include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, and blurred vision. It can be caused by factors such as poor insulin management, food choices, or illness.
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar): A condition where blood sugar levels drop too low, causing symptoms like shakiness, sweating, and confusion.
I
Insulin: A hormone that regulates blood sugar levels by allowing glucose to enter cells for energy.
Insulin resistance: When the body's cells do not respond well to insulin, causing higher blood sugar levels.
M
Metformin: An oral medication commonly prescribed for type 2 diabetes to lower blood sugar levels.
N
Neuropathy: Nerve damage that can result from uncontrolled diabetes and cause symptoms like numbness, tingling, and pain.
P
Pancreas: A gland that produces insulin and other hormones to regulate blood sugar.
Prediabetes: A condition where blood sugar levels are elevated but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. It's a warning sign of potential type 2 diabetes.
R
Retinopathy: Eye damage that can result from uncontrolled diabetes and lead to vision problems.
S
Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG): The practice of regularly measuring blood sugar levels using a glucose meter.
T
Type 1 diabetes: A form of diabetes where the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
Type 2 diabetes: A form of diabetes characterized by insulin resistance and relative insulin deficiency.
W
Weight management: Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise is important for diabetes management.
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