Glossary of Type 1 Diabetes Terms
Diabetes Educator aka DE
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.
Endocrinologist aka Endo DR
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.
insulin therapy pump aka pump
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 AKA 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 AKA SLOW acting INSULIN
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.
BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVEL AKA BGL
Blood Glucose Level , in Australia we use mmol/L
LANCET AKA FINGER PRICKER
Common one being the Accu-check Fast Clix Kit
BLOOD GLUCOSE MONITOR AKA READER
Must have even if using a CGM or FGM. Must have one that can read Ketones as well.
CONINOUS GLUCOSE MONITOR AKA CGM
Common one being Dexcom
Track glucose levels using a sensor which measures the interstitial fluid glucose level. - Read more here
FLASH GLUCOSE MONITOR AKA FGM
Common one is the Freestyle Libre sensor
Measures interstitial fluid glucose levels using sensor technology . - Read more here
HYPERGLYCAEMIA AKA HYPER AKA HIGH
High Blood Sugar level (Normal blood glucose levels are between 4.0–7.8mmol/L so above that would be considered high)
HYPOGLYCAEMIA AKA HYPO AKA LOW
Low Blood Sugar Level (usually that will be 3.9 millimoles per liter (mmol/L), or below)
KETONES and dka aka Diabetic ketoacidosis
When there is insufficient insulin the body is unable to use glucose for energy and it will use an alternative source – breaking down body fat.
Rapid breakdown of body fat can lead to ketones
High levels of ketones can result in the blood becoming acidic
DKA (Diabetic Ketoacidosis) is potentially extremely dangerous and is the result of high levels of ketones
DKA requires hospital admission and can be life threatening
Blood ketones are measured using a blood ketone meter. It is always necessary to have a meter which can read blood ketone levels and to have spare ketone strips.
Rapid insulin is required to get rid of ketones
DKA is a serious condition and can develop rapidly. Follow your prescribed sick day management plan by your health care team if you have any ketones present.