Glossary of Diabetes Terminology
Here are definitions of key terms related to diabetes, designed to help individuals better navigate their care, research, and daily management.
- A1C (HbA1c)
- A blood test that shows the average level of blood glucose over the past 2–3 months. Used to diagnose and monitor diabetes.
- Alpha Cells
- Cells in the pancreas that produce glucagon, a hormone that raises blood glucose levels.
- Autoimmune Disease
- A condition in which the body’s immune system attacks its own cells; Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease.
- Basal Insulin
- Long-acting insulin that helps control blood glucose levels throughout the day and night, even when not eating.
- Beta Cells
- Cells in the pancreas that produce insulin.
- Blood Glucose (Blood Sugar)
- The main sugar found in the blood. It’s the body's main source of energy and comes from food.
- Bolus Insulin
- Short-acting insulin taken at mealtime to control spikes in blood glucose.
- Carbohydrate Counting
- A method of managing blood sugar by tracking the number of carbohydrates consumed.
- Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)
- A device that tracks glucose levels throughout the day and night via a small sensor under the skin.
- Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
- A serious complication of diabetes where the body breaks down fat too quickly, producing ketones and leading to a dangerous acid buildup.
- Fasting Blood Glucose
- The level of glucose in the blood after not eating for at least 8 hours. Used to help diagnose diabetes.
- Gestational Diabetes
- A type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy and usually resolves after childbirth.
- Glucagon
- A hormone made by the pancreas that raises blood glucose levels by signaling the liver to release stored sugar.
- Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT)
- A test to assess how the body processes glucose, often used in diagnosing gestational or Type 2 diabetes.
- Glycemic Index (GI)
- A ranking of carbohydrates on a scale from 0 to 100 based on how quickly they raise blood sugar levels.
- Hemoglobin A1C
- See A1C.
- Hyperglycemia
- High blood glucose levels (typically >180 mg/dL after eating).
- Hypoglycemia
- Low blood glucose levels (typically <70 mg/dL). Can cause shakiness, confusion, and in severe cases, unconsciousness.
- Insulin
- A hormone produced by the pancreas that allows glucose to enter cells to be used for energy.
- Insulin Resistance
- A condition where the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin. Common in Type 2 diabetes.
- Islets of Langerhans
- Clusters of cells in the pancreas that contain beta and alpha cells responsible for producing insulin and glucagon.
- Ketones
- Acids made when the body breaks down fat for energy. High levels can be dangerous and lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
- Neuropathy
- Nerve damage often caused by chronic high blood sugar, leading to numbness, pain, or weakness, especially in the hands and feet.
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
- A test in which blood glucose levels are measured after consuming a sugary drink. Used to diagnose diabetes and prediabetes.
- Pancreas
- An organ that produces insulin and glucagon to help regulate blood glucose levels.
- Prediabetes
- A condition where blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough for a diabetes diagnosis.
- Retinopathy
- Damage to the blood vessels in the retina caused by chronic high blood sugar, which can lead to vision problems.
- Type 1 Diabetes
- An autoimmune disease where the immune system destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
- Type 2 Diabetes
- A chronic condition where the body does not use insulin properly (insulin resistance), often coupled with insulin deficiency.
- Units of Insulin
- The measure used to quantify insulin dosage.
- Urine Ketone Test
- A test used to check for ketones in the urine, which may indicate insufficient insulin.