Glossary
A1C (glycosylated hemoglobin)
A blood test that measures average blood sugar over the past several months.
Basal Insulin
Insulin that keeps your blood sugar stable between meals and overnight. Also called "background" insulin.
Blood Glucose
The main sugar found in the blood and the body's main source of energy. Also called blood sugar.
Blood Glucose Meter
A handheld machine that tests blood glucose levels. A drop of blood, obtained by pricking a finger, is placed on a small strip that is inserted in the meter which measures and displays the blood glucose level.
Blood Sugar
Sugar in the form of glucose in the blood. Also called blood glucose.
Blood Sugar Monitoring
Checking blood sugar (glucose) levels on a regular basis in order to manage diabetes. A blood glucose meter is needed for frequent blood glucose monitoring.
Blood Sugar Level
The amount of sugar (glucose) in a given amount of blood. It is reported as the number of milligrams of glucose in a deciliter of blood, or mg/dL.
Carbohydrate
One of the three main nutrients in food. Foods that provide carbohydrates include starches, breads, sweets, vegetables, fruits, milk products, and sugars.
Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE)
A healthcare professional with expertise in diabetes education who has met eligibility requirements and successfully completed a certification exam.
Dose
The amount of a medicine to be taken within a given period.
Glucagon
A hormone produced by the alpha cells in the pancreas. Glucagon raises blood glucose by releasing glucose from the liver. Glucagon is also available as an injection for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Glucose
The sugar that the body makes from the three elements of food — proteins, fats, and carbohydrates — but mostly from carbohydrates. Glucose is the major source of energy for living cells. Because glucose is carried to each cell through the blood stream, it is often called "blood sugar."
Hyperglycemia
Also called high blood sugar. Hyperglycemia can happen when the body does not have enough insulin or when the body can't use insulin properly. Symptoms may include excessive thirst, frequent urination, dry skin, blurred vision, and fatigue.
Hypoglycemia
Also called low blood sugar. Symptoms may include sweating, trembling, hunger, dizziness, moodiness, confusion, and blurred vision.
Insulin
A hormone produced in the pancreas by beta cells, which is necessary for glucose (blood sugar) to be able to enter certain cells of the body and be used for energy.
Longer-acting Insulin
Insulin that is usually effective for up to 24 hours.
Mealtime Insulin
Insulin that is needed to cover the rise in blood sugar that occurs when you eat.
Mixture Insulin
A combination of a rapid-acting insulin with a longer-acting insulin.
Rapid-acting Insulin
Insulin that starts to work quickly (usually within 15 minutes), with its peak activity (strongest effect) lasting only a few hours. Generally, rapid-acting insulin, like Humalog, is a mealtime insulin (except when used in an external insulin pump).
Sulfonylurea
A class of oral medicine for type 2 diabetes that lowers blood glucose. Examples include Amaryl® (glimepiride), Glucotrol® (glipizide), and Micronase® (glyburide).
Type 1 Diabetes
A condition characterized by high blood glucose levels caused by a lack of insulin production. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body's immune system destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. The pancreas then produces little or no insulin. Type 1 diabetes develops most often in young people but can appear in adults and affects up to 10% of people living with diabetes. People with type 1 diabetes must take insulin daily to sustain life.
Type 2 Diabetes
A condition characterized by high blood glucose levels caused by either a lack of insulin or the body's inability to use insulin efficiently. Type 2 diabetes develops most often in middle-aged and older adults but can appear in young people. Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes, affecting 90% or more of people living with diabetes.
Amaryl is a registered trademark of Aventis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Glucotrol is a registered trademark of Pfizer, Inc. Micronase is a registered trademark of Pharmacia & Upjohn Company.
