--
Diabetes dictionary: 10 terms to know
Newly diagnosed with diabetes? Here are some of the most commonly used terms that a person living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes should know.
A1C
Your A1C (or Hemoglobin A1C) number reflects your average blood sugar level over the past two to three months. This reading can help you and your doctor make decisions and adjustments to your diabetes management depending on whether your range is a little high, low, or just right.
Blood glucose level
The amount of glucose in the blood can be measured with a blood glucose meter fingerstick test and/or with a continuous glucose monitor. People with diabetes usually try to maintain a blood glucose level of 80 milligrams per deciliter to 150 milligrams per deciliter, but this range can vary depending on the individual.
Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES)
An accredited specialist with expertise in diabetes. They can provide comprehensive care and education to those living with diabetes and related conditions.
A CDCES is trained specifically in diabetes management. When it comes to establishing a unique daily management plan that fits your lifestyle, these professionals can typically contribute more dedicated time with you than your doctor or nurse might be able to. For instance, a CDCES can spend time teaching you how to use your insulin pump or CGM until you are comfortable using it on your own.
Continuous glucose monitor (CGM)
A device that includes a sensor, transmitter, and receiver. The sensor is placed under the skin and changed every few days, and it can monitor blood glucose levels continuously and at intervals.
A CGM tracks your glucose levels through an electrode that is inserted beneath the skin via the "sensor." This is done through a simple and virtually painless process using an insertion device that comes with each sensor. The glucose readings are then sent to the receiver — which can be a separate, handheld device — or directly to your smartphone via a Bluetooth-connected app.
Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
A condition that affects people with diabetes and can be life-threatening. DKA occurs when the body doesn't have enough insulin. This causes the body to break down fat at a rate that can cause the liver to process fat into fuel instead of carbohydrates, producing ketones.
Hyperglycemia
The technical term for high blood glucose levels, which are typically considered to be any reading above 160 milligrams per deciliter (but can vary from person to person). Some symptoms of hyperglycemia can include:
- Extreme thirst
- Frequent urination
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Fruity odor on the breath
- Fatigue
Hypoglycemia
The technical term for low blood glucose levels, which are typically considered to be any reading below 80 milligrams per deciliter (but can vary from person to person). Some symptoms of hypoglycemia can include:
- Dizziness
- Hunger
- Sweating
- Shaking or trembling
- Accelerated heartbeat
- Confusion
- Irritability
- Weakness
- Blurred vision
- Seizures (in extreme cases)
Multiple daily injections (MDIs)
A form of diabetes management that involves taking multiple injections of insulin per day, using syringes or insulin pens as opposed to an insulin pump. One might prefer MDIs over an insulin pump if they participate in sports or activities that make it difficult to navigate the pump's tubing, or if they simply don't want a device attached to them.
Type 1 diabetes (T1D)
An autoimmune condition where the cells in the pancreas that make insulin are destroyed. The body is then unable to make insulin. There's currently no cure for type 1 diabetes and no way to prevent it.
Type 2 diabetes (T2D)
A condition that occurs when blood glucose levels are too high. The body doesn't produce enough insulin and/or doesn't process insulin well. Type 2 diabetes can largely be prevented or delayed with lifestyle adjustments, such as exercising regularly, consuming less sugar, and eating fewer refined carbs.
