Type 1 Diabetes Dictionary

When you get diagnosed with Type 1, you are opened up to a whole new world of terms and phrases. We hope this Type 1 Dictionary helps make things easier and clears up some confusion!

DE

Short for Diabetes Educator

• this is the person who you will have most of your training through at the hospital upon diagnosis , and then be in regular contact with once you are home, for as long as you need and whenever you need. The will also most likely be present at your quarterly appointments with your Endocrinologist.

Endo

Short for Endochrinologist

• this is the main doctor your child will see at diagnosis and usually the same DR you will then see every 3 months at the hospital. They will work with the DE in deciding on any changes to insulin dosages, prescribe your insulin (and glucagon) and answer any questions your and your DE have for them.

Pump/Pumping

Definition: Insulin Pump / Insulin Pump Therapy

• there is a couple of brands on the market, most common are Medtronic and T-Slim , there are a little black computerised pump that clips onto your clothes (or in little ones is worn in a pump bag around their waist) and it has a reservoir of insulin inside and then a tube runs from that into a fine needle that goes into usually their belly (or on little ones on their bum) and automatically delivers their insulin (Basal) and can also with your input deliver their insulin for food and corrections (Bolus). Read more about PUMPS here.

• Tubeless options include Omnipod and Accu-Chek Pump

Bolus

Definition: Giving a dose of rapid acting insulin

• this is usually Novorapid (or Humalog) and is the insulin given for corrections as well as prior to each main meal. It is also the insulin that is used in pumps.

Basal

Definition: Long acting insulin (usually referring to use in insulin pump therapy)

• this is a slow release insulin , commonly Levemir / Lantus either given via injection morning and night, or if using a pump , is delivered automatically by the pump using the fast acting insulin. If using a pump, it is still vital you keep slow acting insulin in the fridge in case of pump failure.

BGL

Short for Blood Glucose Level

• Blood Glucose Level, in Australia we use mmol/L

Pricker/Sticker/Finger Pricker

Definition: Lancing Device for checking Blood Sugar

Reader/BGL Meter

Definition: Blood Glucose Monitor (some can also read ketone levels)

CGM

Short for Continuous Glucose Monitor

• Common one being Dexcom/Guardian/Freestyle Libre

• Track glucose levels using a sensor which measures the interstitial fluid glucose level. - Read more here

FGM

Short for Flash Glucose Monitor

• Common one is the Freestyle Libre1 sensor (these have mostly been phased out in Australia, and have been replaced by the Freestyle Libre 2 sensors which are CGMs.

• Measures interstitial fluid glucose levels using sensor technology . - Read more here

High

Short for Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar level)

Normal blood glucose levels are between 4.0–7.8mmol/L so above that would be considered high.

Low

Short for Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar

Blood glucose levels under 4.0mmol/L

Ketones

Definition: Ketones are an energy source produced by the body when carbohydrate intake is extremely low. This state is called ketosis, and is a perfectly healthy state for short periods of time (as long as there is adequate insulin present).

Ketones are measured whenever blood sugars are high or whenever feeling unwell. It is always necessary to have a meter that can read blood ketone levels and to have spare ketone strips.

• Normal: Less than 0.6 mmol/L

• Slightly high: 0.6 to 1.5 mmol/L

• High risk: 1.5 to 3.0 mmol/L

• Medical emergency: More than 3.0 mmol/L

DKA

Short for Diabetic Ketoacidosis

When insulin levels become inadequate, the body’s PH starts to become acidic, turning regular ketones into a dangerous situation. This is called Ketoacidosis and is extremely dangerous and a life-threatening state. DKA requires hospital admission and is urgent.