Basics
Autoimmune Disease
A condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy parts of the body.
Terms
Plain-English diabetes terms.
A glossary for the words that come up quickly in Type 1 diabetes: insulin, glucose, devices, emergencies, food, labs, and daily decisions.
Glossary
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Showing all 138 terms.
Basics
Beta Cells
Cells in the pancreas that make and release insulin.
Basics
Carbohydrates
Nutrients in food that usually break down into glucose and raise blood sugar.
Basics
Gestational Diabetes
Diabetes that develops during pregnancy and affects how the body manages blood glucose.
Basics
Glucagon
Glucagon is a hormone that raises blood glucose and acts as a natural counterbalance to insulin.
Context
Emergency glucagon can be used when someone has severe hypoglycemia and cannot safely eat or drink fast-acting carbohydrates.
- Glucagon can be prescribed as an injection, nasal powder, or auto-injector depending on product availability.
- People close to someone with T1D should know where glucagon is kept.
- Glucagon is for severe lows or situations where oral treatment is unsafe.
Basics
Insulin
Insulin is a hormone that moves glucose from the bloodstream into the body's cells so it can be used for energy or stored for later.
Context
People with Type 1 diabetes must replace the insulin their body no longer makes. Without enough insulin, glucose rises and the body can enter a dangerous state called DKA.
- Insulin is not a cure for diabetes.
- Everyone needs insulin to survive.
- Insulin may be delivered by injection, pen, or pump.
Basics
LADA
<p>LADA stands for latent autoimmune diabetes in adults. It is a slower-developing autoimmune form of diabetes diagnosed in adulthood. It can look like Type 2 diabetes at first, but the immune system is involved and insulin production usually declines over time.</p>
Context
Useful when explaining Type 1.5 diabetes, adult autoimmune diabetes, and why some adults first diagnosed with Type 2 may later be reclassified.
- LADA is autoimmune, like Type 1 diabetes.
- It usually develops more gradually than classic Type 1 diabetes.
- It is often first mistaken for Type 2 diabetes in adults.
- Antibody testing and changes in insulin production can help clarify the diagnosis.
Basics
Pancreas
An organ that helps digestion and produces hormones such as insulin and glucagon.
Basics
Prediabetes
A condition where blood glucose is higher than normal but not yet in the diabetes range.
Basics
T1DType 1 Diabetes (T1D)
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, leaving the body unable to make enough insulin to regulate blood glucose.
Context
People with Type 1 diabetes need insulin every day to live. Managing T1D means constantly balancing insulin, food, activity, illness, stress, and other factors that affect glucose.
- Type 1 diabetes is not caused by eating sugar.
- It usually requires lifelong insulin therapy.
- It can develop at any age, including adulthood.
Basics
T2DType 2 Diabetes (T2D)
A form of diabetes where the body has trouble using insulin effectively or making enough of it.
Blood Sugar
Alpha Cells
<p>Alpha cells are hormone-producing cells in the pancreas. They make glucagon, a hormone that signals the liver to release stored glucose when blood sugar is getting low.</p>
Context
Useful when explaining how the pancreas and liver help balance blood glucose, especially alongside beta cells and insulin.
- Alpha cells are found in pancreatic islets.
- They release glucagon.
- Glucagon helps raise blood glucose by signaling the liver to release stored glucose.
- They work as part of the counterbalance to insulin-producing beta cells.
Blood Sugar
Blood Glucose
Blood glucose, often called blood sugar, is the amount of glucose circulating in the bloodstream at a given moment.
Context
Glucose is the body's main source of energy, but levels that are too high or too low can affect how a person feels and may require action.
- Blood glucose naturally rises and falls during the day.
- Food, insulin, activity, stress, illness, and sleep can all affect glucose.
- CGMs and fingersticks are common ways to measure glucose.
Blood Sugar
Calibration
The process of aligning a device reading with a reference glucose measurement.
Blood Sugar
CVCoefficient of Variation (CV)
A percentage-based measure of glucose variability relative to the average glucose level.
Blood Sugar
Estimated Average Glucose (eAG)
An estimate that translates A1C into an average glucose value.
Blood Sugar
Euglycemia
Blood glucose that is within a person's desired or healthy target range.
Blood Sugar
Fingerstick
A blood glucose check using a small drop of blood from the fingertip.
Blood Sugar
Glycemic Variability
How much glucose levels rise and fall over time.
Blood Sugar
A1CHbA1c (A1C)
A1C is a lab test that estimates average blood glucose over roughly the past two to three months.
Context
A1C is useful for long-term trends, but it does not show daily highs, lows, or glucose variability.
- A1C is an average, not a full picture.
- Two people with the same A1C can have very different glucose patterns.
- CGM metrics like TIR add important context.
Blood Sugar
Hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia is high blood glucose above a person's target range.
Context
High glucose can cause thirst, fatigue, blurred vision, and frequent urination. Persistent or severe highs may require insulin and ketone checks.
- High glucose can result from missed insulin, illness, stress, food, or pump/site issues.
- High glucose alone is not the same as DKA.
- Persistent highs should be managed according to a care plan.
Blood Sugar
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is low blood glucose, commonly defined as below 70 mg/dL.
Context
Low glucose can happen quickly and may affect thinking, coordination, mood, and safety. Severe lows require immediate treatment.
- Symptoms can include shakiness, sweating, confusion, hunger, or irritability.
- Fast-acting carbohydrate is commonly used for treatment.
- Severe hypoglycemia may require glucagon.
Blood Sugar
mg/dL
A common U.S. unit for measuring blood glucose in milligrams per deciliter.
Blood Sugar
mmol/L
A common international unit for measuring blood glucose in millimoles per liter.
Blood Sugar
Standard Deviation
A measure of how widely glucose readings vary from the average.
Blood Sugar
Target Range
The glucose range a person aims to stay within for safe diabetes management.
Blood Sugar
TIRTime in Range (TIR)
Time in Range is the percentage of time glucose stays within a target range, commonly 70–180 mg/dL for many adults with Type 1 diabetes.
Context
TIR shows daily glucose stability in a way A1C cannot. Two people can have the same A1C but very different patterns of highs and lows.
- TIR goals should be individualized.
- TIR complements A1C rather than replacing it.
- More time in range usually means fewer glucose swings.
Care Team
CDCESCertified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES)
A trained professional who helps people learn practical diabetes management skills.
Care Team
Dietitian
A nutrition professional who can help plan food choices and diabetes strategies.
Care Team
Endocrinologist
A doctor who specializes in hormone-related conditions such as diabetes.
Care Team
Pharmacist
A medication expert who can help with insulin, supplies, interactions, and access questions.
Community Terms
Breakthrough T1D
A Type 1 diabetes research and advocacy organization formerly known as JDRF.
Community Terms
DiaTribe
A diabetes education and advocacy organization known for practical diabetes information.
Community Terms
Honeymoon Phase
A period after diagnosis when the body still makes some insulin and insulin needs may be lower.
Community Terms
Juice Box Treatment
Using juice or another fast carbohydrate to treat low blood glucose.
Community Terms
Looping
Using an automated insulin delivery system, sometimes including do-it-yourself closed-loop tools.
Community Terms
Pizza Effect
A delayed glucose rise after high-fat, high-carb foods such as pizza.
Community Terms
Rage Bolus
An informal term for taking a large correction dose out of frustration with high glucose.
Community Terms
Roller Coaster
A pattern of repeated glucose highs and lows that feels hard to stabilize.
Community Terms
Sugar Surfing
An approach to using glucose trends and small actions to manage glucose in real time.
Devices
AIDAutomated Insulin Delivery (AID)
Technology that uses CGM data and algorithms to adjust insulin delivery.
Devices
Basal Profile
A programmed schedule of basal insulin rates across the day.
Devices
Cannula
A small flexible tube inserted under the skin to deliver insulin.
Devices
Closed Loop
A system that uses CGM data to automatically adjust insulin delivery.
Devices
Compression Low
A falsely low CGM reading that can happen when pressure is placed on the sensor.
Devices
CGMContinuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)
A continuous glucose monitor is a wearable device that estimates glucose levels throughout the day and night and shows where glucose is headed.
Context
A CGM helps people see patterns, receive alerts for highs and lows, and make more informed diabetes decisions than isolated fingerstick readings alone.
- CGMs measure glucose in interstitial fluid, not directly in blood.
- Readings can lag during rapid glucose changes.
- A CGM helps with decisions but does not replace insulin.
Devices
Data Sharing
The ability to share glucose data with caregivers, family, or care teams.
Devices
Dual Wave Bolus
A bolus that delivers some insulin immediately and some over an extended period.
Devices
Extended Bolus
A bolus delivered gradually over time instead of all at once.
Devices
High Alert
A CGM warning that glucose is above a selected high threshold.
Devices
Hybrid Closed Loop
An automated insulin system that adjusts insulin but still requires user input for meals.
Devices
Infusion Set
The tubing and cannula system that delivers pump insulin under the skin.
Devices
Insulin Pump
A wearable device that delivers insulin through a small tube or patch system.
Devices
Low Alert
A CGM warning that glucose is approaching or below a low threshold.
Devices
Patch Pump
A tubeless insulin pump worn directly on the body.
Devices
Pump Site
The area of the body where an insulin pump delivers insulin.
Devices
Receiver
A device or app that displays glucose readings from a CGM.
Devices
Reservoir
The pump cartridge or container that holds insulin.
Devices
Sensor
The part of a CGM that sits under the skin and detects glucose changes.
Devices
Sensor Warm-Up
The startup period before a new CGM sensor begins showing readings.
Devices
Signal Loss
A temporary loss of communication between a CGM sensor/transmitter and display device.
Devices
Site Rotation
Changing injection or pump sites to protect skin and improve insulin absorption.
Devices
Smart Pen
An insulin pen that records dose timing and amount, often syncing with an app.
Devices
Temporary Basal
A short-term change to basal insulin delivery for changing glucose needs.
Devices
Transmitter
The CGM component that sends sensor readings to a receiver, phone, or pump.
Devices
Trend Arrow
A CGM indicator showing whether glucose is rising, falling, or staying steady.
Devices
Tubed Pump
An insulin pump connected to the infusion site with thin tubing.
Devices
Urgent Low Soon
A CGM warning that glucose may soon reach a dangerously low level.
Emergencies
Dawn Phenomenon
An early-morning rise in glucose caused by overnight hormone changes.
Emergencies
DKADiabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA)
Diabetic ketoacidosis is a dangerous condition caused by too little insulin, leading the body to break down fat rapidly and produce acidic ketones.
Context
DKA can become life-threatening and needs urgent medical care. It is especially important to watch for during illness, pump failures, or prolonged high glucose.
- DKA is driven by lack of insulin, not just high glucose.
- Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, rapid breathing, and confusion.
- Ketone testing can help identify risk early.
Emergencies
Euglycemic DKA
DKA that occurs even when glucose is not extremely high.
Emergencies
Glucagon Rescue
Emergency use of glucagon to treat severe low blood glucose.
Emergencies
Glucose Tablets
Measured fast-acting carbohydrate tablets used to treat low glucose.
Emergencies
Hypoglycemia Unawareness
Reduced ability to feel the warning symptoms of low glucose.
Emergencies
Ketones
Ketones are acids produced when the body burns fat for energy because it does not have enough insulin to use glucose properly.
Context
In Type 1 diabetes, rising ketones can signal risk for DKA and may require extra insulin, fluids, and medical guidance.
- Ketones may appear during illness, missed insulin, fasting, or pump failure.
- Blood ketone testing is often more direct than urine testing.
- Moderate or large ketones should be taken seriously.
Emergencies
Severe Hypoglycemia
A low-glucose event where a person needs help from someone else to recover.
Emergencies
Sick Day Management
Extra diabetes steps used during illness to reduce risks such as dehydration and DKA.
Emergencies
Somogyi Effect
A debated pattern where glucose rebounds high after an overnight low.
Exercise
Aerobic Exercise
Sustained activity such as walking, running, or cycling that often lowers glucose.
Exercise
Anaerobic Exercise
Short, intense activity such as sprinting or heavy lifting that may raise or lower glucose.
Exercise
Delayed Hypoglycemia
Low glucose that occurs hours after activity, often later in the day or overnight.
Exercise
Exercise Mode
A pump or AID setting that adjusts insulin targets or delivery for physical activity.
Exercise
Exercise-Induced Hypoglycemia
Low glucose triggered by physical activity or increased insulin sensitivity after exercise.
Exercise
Glucose Uptake
The movement of glucose from the bloodstream into cells for energy.
Exercise
Resistance Training
Exercise that builds strength using weights, bands, machines, or body weight.
Exercise
Temporary Basal Reduction
A short-term decrease in basal insulin, often used around exercise or lower glucose risk.
Insulin
Active Insulin
Rapid-acting insulin that is still working in the body after a dose.
Insulin
Basal Insulin
Basal insulin is the background insulin the body needs around the clock to keep glucose stable between meals, overnight, and when not eating.
Context
Even without food, the liver releases glucose. Basal insulin helps balance that background glucose and is a foundation of diabetes management.
- Basal insulin is not meant to cover meals.
- Pump users receive basal insulin in tiny programmed doses.
- Basal needs can change with illness, hormones, stress, and activity.
Insulin
Bolus Insulin
Bolus insulin is insulin taken to cover food, correct high blood glucose, or both.
Context
Bolus dosing helps match insulin to the glucose rise from meals and can bring high glucose back toward range.
- Meal boluses are often based on carbohydrate count and insulin-to-carb ratio.
- Correction boluses are based on insulin sensitivity or correction factor.
- Timing matters; many people pre-bolus before meals.
Insulin
Correction Dose
Extra insulin used to bring high glucose back toward target range.
Insulin
Correction Factor
An estimate of how much one unit of insulin lowers blood glucose.
Insulin
IOBInsulin on Board (IOB)
Insulin on Board is an estimate of how much previously delivered rapid-acting insulin is still active in the body.
Context
IOB helps reduce accidental insulin stacking and can make correction decisions safer.
- IOB is an estimate, not an exact measurement.
- Pump and app calculations depend on duration-of-insulin-action settings.
- Ignoring IOB can increase low glucose risk.
Insulin
ISFInsulin Sensitivity Factor (ISF)
Another name for the correction factor that estimates glucose drop per unit of insulin.
Insulin
ICRInsulin-to-Carb Ratio (ICR)
An insulin-to-carb ratio tells how many grams of carbohydrate are covered by one unit of insulin.
Context
ICR helps calculate meal boluses so insulin better matches the carbohydrate in food.
- Ratios can differ by time of day.
- ICR may change with age, activity, hormones, and insulin sensitivity.
- A typical format is 1 unit for a set number of carb grams.
Insulin
Intermediate-Acting Insulin
Insulin that lasts longer than short-acting insulin but not as long as modern basal insulin.
Insulin
Long-Acting Insulin
Basal insulin designed to work steadily for many hours.
Insulin
Rapid-Acting Insulin
Insulin designed to start working quickly, usually for meals or corrections.
Insulin
Short-Acting Insulin
Insulin that works more slowly than rapid-acting insulin and is sometimes used around meals.
Insulin
Stacking Insulin
Taking additional insulin while earlier insulin is still active, which can increase low-glucose risk.
Insulin
TDDTotal Daily Dose (TDD)
The total amount of insulin used in one day from all basal and bolus doses.
Insulin
Ultra-Rapid Insulin
Insulin designed to start working even faster than standard rapid-acting insulin.
Lab Tests
Autoantibodies
Immune markers that can help identify autoimmune Type 1 diabetes risk or diagnosis.
Lab Tests
C-Peptide
A lab marker that helps show how much insulin the body is making.
Lab Tests
Fasting Glucose
A blood glucose measurement taken after not eating for a set period.
Lab Tests
GAD65 Antibodies
A type of autoantibody commonly tested in Type 1 diabetes evaluation.
Lab Tests
IA-2 Antibodies
A Type 1 diabetes-related autoantibody used in autoimmune diabetes testing.
Lab Tests
OGTTOral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
A test that measures how the body handles glucose after drinking a glucose solution.
Lab Tests
Zinc Transporter 8 (ZnT8)
An autoantibody marker that can support Type 1 diabetes diagnosis or risk assessment.
Lifestyle
Basal Testing
A structured way to check whether background insulin is keeping glucose steady without food.
Lifestyle
Diabetes Burnout
Emotional exhaustion from the constant demands of diabetes management.
Lifestyle
Diabetes Distress
Stress, worry, or frustration specifically related to living with diabetes.
Lifestyle
Emergency Kit
A prepared set of diabetes supplies for lows, highs, illness, or disruptions.
Lifestyle
Medical ID
Identification that alerts others that someone has diabetes in an emergency.
Lifestyle
Sick Day Rules
Personalized diabetes instructions for managing insulin, fluids, food, and ketones during illness.
Lifestyle
Travel with Diabetes
Planning for supplies, time zones, food, security, and emergencies while away from home.
Long Term Health
Blood Pressure
The force of blood against artery walls, important for heart and kidney health.
Long Term Health
Cardiovascular Disease
Heart and blood vessel disease, a long-term health risk associated with diabetes.
Long Term Health
Cholesterol
A blood fat that matters for heart and blood vessel health.
Long Term Health
Eye Exam
A diabetes-related exam used to check for eye complications such as retinopathy.
Long Term Health
Foot Care
Routine attention to foot health to prevent injuries, infections, and complications.
Long Term Health
Kidney Function
How well the kidneys filter waste and maintain fluid balance.
Long Term Health
Microalbumin
A small amount of protein in urine that can be an early sign of kidney stress.
Long Term Health
Nephropathy
Kidney damage that can occur as a long-term diabetes complication.
Long Term Health
Neuropathy
Nerve damage that can occur from long-term high glucose exposure.
Long Term Health
Retinopathy
Diabetes-related damage to blood vessels in the retina of the eye.
Nutrition
Carb Absorption
The process of digested carbohydrates entering the bloodstream as glucose.
Nutrition
Carb Ratio
A common shorthand for insulin-to-carb ratio.
Nutrition
Carbohydrate Counting
Carbohydrate counting is estimating the grams of carbohydrate in food so insulin can be matched to the expected glucose rise.
Context
Carbs usually have the most immediate effect on glucose, so carb counting helps people dose meal insulin more accurately while keeping food choices flexible.
- Carb counts do not have to be perfect to be useful.
- Fat and protein can also affect glucose, especially later.
- Labels, apps, and measuring tools can improve estimates.
Nutrition
Extended Digestion
Slower digestion that can cause glucose to rise later after a meal.
Nutrition
Fast-Acting Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates that raise glucose quickly and are often used to treat lows.
Nutrition
Fat
A nutrient that can slow digestion and sometimes affect glucose hours after eating.
Nutrition
Fiber
A type of carbohydrate that is not fully digested and may slow glucose absorption.
Nutrition
Glycemic Index
A ranking of how quickly a carbohydrate-containing food tends to raise blood glucose.
Nutrition
Glycemic Load
A measure that considers both carbohydrate quality and quantity in a serving of food.
Nutrition
Meal Bolus
Insulin taken to cover the expected glucose rise from eating.
Nutrition
Net Carbs
Total carbohydrates minus certain fibers or sugar alcohols, depending on the calculation method.
Nutrition
Pre-Bolus
Taking meal insulin before eating so insulin action better matches glucose rise.
Nutrition
Protein
A nutrient used to build and repair the body that can also affect glucose in some situations.
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