Diabetes glossary A to Z
We buy sealed diabetic supplies for cash. We do not sell supplies.
173 diabetes words explained in plain language. Tap a letter to jump to it.
For information only. This glossary is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or care team about your health.
A
- A1C
- A blood test that shows your average blood glucose (sugar) over about the past 3 months. Doctors use it to diagnose diabetes and to check how well treatment is working. Source: NIDDK: The A1C Test and Diabetes
- Accu-Chek
- A brand of blood glucose meters and test strips made by Roche. Common strips include Guide, Aviva Plus and SmartView. Related: We buy Accu-Chek, Get a Quote. Source: NIDDK: Managing Diabetes
- Albumin
- A protein in the blood. When kidneys are damaged, albumin can leak into the urine. Source: MedlinePlus: Microalbumin Creatinine Ratio
- Alcohol swab
- A small pad soaked in alcohol, used to clean the skin before a finger stick, injection or sensor. Source: NIDDK: Managing Diabetes
- Alpha cells
- Cells in the pancreas that make glucagon, a hormone that raises blood glucose. Source: NIDDK: Diabetes
- Artificial pancreas
- A system where a CGM and an insulin pump work together, with software that adjusts insulin. Also called automated insulin delivery. Source: NIDDK: Insulin Pumps (Artificial Pancreas)
- Autoimmune disease
- A condition where the body's defense system attacks its own cells. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease. Source: MedlinePlus: Diabetes Type 1
- Automated insulin delivery (AID)
- See Artificial pancreas. A pump that changes insulin dosing based on CGM readings. Source: NIDDK: Insulin Pumps (Artificial Pancreas)
B
- Basal insulin
- Background insulin that works slowly through the day and night to keep blood glucose steady between meals. Source: NIDDK: Insulin, Medicines and Other Diabetes Treatments
- Beta cells
- Cells in the pancreas that make insulin. Source: NIDDK: Diabetes
- Blood glucose
- The main sugar in your blood. It comes from the food you eat and is your body's main source of energy. Also called blood sugar. Source: NIDDK: Diabetes
- Blood glucose meter
- A small device that measures blood glucose from a drop of blood, usually from a finger stick, placed on a test strip. Related: We buy Blood glucose meter, Get a Quote. Source: NIDDK: Managing Diabetes
- Blood pressure
- The force of blood pushing on the walls of your arteries. High blood pressure raises the risk of heart and kidney problems. Source: NIDDK: Diabetes, Heart Disease and Stroke
- Blood sugar
- Another name for blood glucose. Source: MedlinePlus: Blood Sugar
- BMI (body mass index)
- A number based on height and weight that is used to screen for overweight and obesity. Source: MedlinePlus: Obesity
- Body weight management
- Steps to reach or stay at a healthy weight, such as eating changes and physical activity. Source: MedlinePlus: Weight Control
- Bolus insulin
- A dose of insulin taken to cover a meal or to bring down high blood glucose. Source: NIDDK: Insulin, Medicines and Other Diabetes Treatments
C
- C-peptide
- A substance made along with insulin. A C-peptide test helps show how much insulin the body is making. Source: MedlinePlus: C-peptide Test
- Calorie
- A unit that measures the energy in food and drink. Source: MedlinePlus: Nutrition
- Cannula
- A thin, soft tube placed under the skin to deliver insulin from a pump or pod. Related: We buy Cannula, Get a Quote. Source: NIDDK: Insulin Pumps (Artificial Pancreas)
- Carb counting
- Keeping track of the grams of carbohydrate you eat, often to help match insulin doses to meals. Source: NIDDK: Diabetes Diet, Eating and Physical Activity
- Carbohydrate
- A type of nutrient in foods like bread, rice, fruit, milk and sweets. Carbohydrates raise blood glucose more than protein or fat. Source: NIDDK: Diabetes Diet, Eating and Physical Activity
- Carbohydrate ratio
- The amount of carbohydrate covered by one unit of insulin. Set by your care team. Also called insulin-to-carb ratio. Source: NIDDK: Diabetes Diet, Eating and Physical Activity
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diseases of the heart and blood vessels, such as heart attack and stroke. People with diabetes have a higher risk. Source: NIDDK: Diabetes, Heart Disease and Stroke
- Cartridge
- A container that holds insulin inside an insulin pump. Also called a reservoir. Related: We buy Cartridge, Get a Quote. Source: NIDDK: Insulin Pumps (Artificial Pancreas)
- CGM (continuous glucose monitor)
- A small wearable device with a sensor under the skin that checks glucose levels every few minutes, day and night, and sends readings to a reader, phone or pump. Related: Switched Your CGM or Pump? What to Do With Old Supplies, What we buy, Get a Quote. Source: NIDDK: Continuous Glucose Monitoring
- Charcot foot
- A condition where nerve damage weakens the bones of the foot, which can change the foot's shape. Source: NIDDK: Diabetes and Foot Problems
- Cholesterol
- A waxy fat in the blood. High LDL ("bad") cholesterol raises the risk of heart disease, which is already higher with diabetes. Source: NIDDK: Diabetes, Heart Disease and Stroke
- Chronic kidney disease (CKD)
- Long-term kidney damage. Diabetes is a leading cause. Regular urine and blood tests can find it early. Source: NIDDK: Diabetic Kidney Disease
- Clinical trial
- A research study that tests a medical treatment or device in people. Source: NIDDK: Diabetes
- Coma
- A state of deep unconsciousness. Very high or very low blood glucose can lead to a coma. Source: NIDDK: Low Blood Glucose (Hypoglycemia)
- Complications
- Health problems caused or made worse by diabetes over time, such as eye, kidney, nerve, foot and heart problems. Source: NIDDK: Diabetes
- Contour Next
- A brand of blood glucose meters and test strips, made by Ascensia Diabetes Care. Related: We buy Contour Next, Get a Quote. Source: NIDDK: Managing Diabetes
- Control solution
- A liquid with a known amount of glucose, used to check that a meter and test strips are working. Related: Do You Buy Expired Test Strips?, We buy Control solution, Get a Quote. Source: NIDDK: Managing Diabetes
- Correction dose
- Extra insulin taken to bring high blood glucose back to the target range. Source: NIDDK: Insulin, Medicines and Other Diabetes Treatments
- Creatinine
- A waste product in the blood. Kidney tests often measure it. Source: MedlinePlus: Microalbumin Creatinine Ratio
D
- Dawn phenomenon
- A rise in blood glucose in the early morning hours, caused by hormones the body releases before waking. Source: MedlinePlus: Diabetes
- Dehydration
- When the body loses more fluid than it takes in. High blood glucose can cause it. Source: MedlinePlus: High Blood Sugar
- Dexcom G6
- A continuous glucose monitor system from Dexcom that uses a sensor and a separate transmitter. Related: Can I Sell Dexcom G6 Sensors and Transmitters?, We buy Dexcom G6, Get a Quote. Source: NIDDK: Continuous Glucose Monitoring
- Dexcom G7
- A continuous glucose monitor from Dexcom where the sensor and transmitter are one piece. Comes in 10-day and 15-day versions. Related: How Do I Sell Unused Dexcom G7 Sensors?, We buy Dexcom G7, Get a Quote. Source: NIDDK: Continuous Glucose Monitoring
- Diabetes
- A disease in which blood glucose is too high, because the body does not make enough insulin or does not use insulin well. Source: NIDDK: Diabetes
- Diabetes distress
- Feelings of worry, frustration or burnout from living with and managing diabetes. Source: NIDDK: Managing Diabetes
- Diabetes educator
- A health professional trained to teach people how to manage diabetes. Many are certified as diabetes care and education specialists. Source: American Diabetes Association
- Diabetes medicines
- Pills and shots other than insulin that help lower blood glucose. Source: MedlinePlus: Diabetes Medicines
- Diabetes self-management education (DSMES)
- Classes or sessions that teach people the skills to manage diabetes day to day. Source: American Diabetes Association
- Diabetic diet
- A healthy eating plan for people with diabetes, focused on balanced meals and portion sizes. Source: MedlinePlus: Diabetic Diet
- Diabetic eye disease
- Eye problems caused by diabetes, including retinopathy, macular edema, cataracts and glaucoma. A yearly dilated eye exam is recommended. Source: NIDDK: Diabetic Eye Disease
- Diabetic foot
- Foot problems linked to diabetes, such as sores, infections and loss of feeling. Source: MedlinePlus: Diabetic Foot
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
- A serious, life-threatening condition in which the body breaks down fat too fast because there is not enough insulin, causing ketones to build up in the blood. Needs emergency care. Source: MedlinePlus: Diabetic Ketoacidosis
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Nerve damage caused by diabetes. It often starts in the feet with numbness, tingling or pain. Source: NIDDK: Diabetic Neuropathy
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Damage to the blood vessels in the retina, the back of the eye, caused by diabetes. It can lead to vision loss if not treated. Source: NIDDK: Diabetic Eye Disease
- Dietary fiber
- The part of plant foods that the body cannot digest. It can help with blood glucose and cholesterol. Source: MedlinePlus: Dietary Fiber
- Dietitian
- A food and nutrition expert who can help you make a meal plan that fits your diabetes, health and tastes. Source: NIDDK: Diabetes Diet, Eating and Physical Activity
- DME (durable medical equipment)
- Medical equipment meant for repeated home use, such as meters and pumps. Insurance plans often cover diabetes supplies under this category. Related: Can I Sell Diabetic Supplies From Medicare or Medi-Cal?. Source: MedlinePlus: Medicare
E
- Endocrine system
- The glands that make hormones. The pancreas is part of it. Source: NIDDK: Diabetes
- Endocrinologist
- A doctor who specializes in hormone conditions, including diabetes. Source: NIDDK: Diabetes
- Exercise
- Planned physical activity. It can help lower blood glucose and improve health. Source: MedlinePlus: Exercise and Physical Fitness
- Expiration date
- The last date a product should be used. It is printed on the box, often next to an hourglass symbol. Related: How Do I Read the Expiration Date on Diabetic Supplies?, What we buy, Get a Quote. Source: NIDDK: Managing Diabetes
F
- Fasting
- Not eating or drinking anything but water for a set time, often 8 hours, before a test. Source: MedlinePlus: Blood Glucose Test
- Fasting blood glucose
- Your blood glucose level after not eating for at least 8 hours. Used to diagnose and manage diabetes. Source: NIDDK: Diabetes Tests and Diagnosis
- Finger stick
- Pricking the fingertip with a lancet to get a drop of blood for a glucose test. Source: NIDDK: Managing Diabetes
- Foot ulcer
- An open sore on the foot. Nerve damage and poor blood flow from diabetes raise the risk. Check your feet every day. Source: NIDDK: Diabetes and Foot Problems
- FreeStyle Libre
- A family of continuous glucose monitors made by Abbott, including Libre 2 Plus, Libre 3 and Libre 3 Plus. Related: How Do I Sell FreeStyle Libre Sensors?, We buy FreeStyle Libre, Get a Quote. Source: NIDDK: Continuous Glucose Monitoring
- Fructose
- A natural sugar found in fruit and honey. Source: MedlinePlus: Carbohydrates
G
- Gastroparesis
- A condition in which the stomach empties too slowly. Diabetes is a common cause. It can make blood glucose harder to manage. Source: NIDDK: Gastroparesis
- Gestational diabetes
- Diabetes that develops during pregnancy. It usually goes away after the baby is born, but raises the risk of type 2 diabetes later. Source: NIDDK: Gestational Diabetes
- Glucagon
- A hormone that raises blood glucose. It is also given as a medicine to treat severe low blood glucose. Source: NIDDK: Low Blood Glucose (Hypoglycemia)
- Glucose
- A sugar that is the body's main source of energy. Source: MedlinePlus: Blood Sugar
- Glucose in urine
- Sugar found in a urine test. It can be a sign of high blood glucose. Source: MedlinePlus: Glucose in Urine Test
- Glucose tablets
- Chewable tablets of pure glucose used to treat low blood glucose quickly. Source: NIDDK: Low Blood Glucose (Hypoglycemia)
- Glycemic index
- A ranking of how quickly foods with carbohydrate raise blood glucose compared with pure glucose. Source: MedlinePlus: Diabetes
- Glycogen
- The stored form of glucose, kept mostly in the liver and muscles. Source: NIDDK: Low Blood Glucose (Hypoglycemia)
H
- HbA1c
- Another name for the A1C test. Source: NIDDK: The A1C Test and Diabetes
- HDL cholesterol
- High-density lipoprotein, often called "good" cholesterol. It helps remove other cholesterol from the blood. Source: NIDDK: Diabetes, Heart Disease and Stroke
- Healthy eating plan
- A guide to what, when and how much to eat to help manage blood glucose. Source: NIDDK: Diabetes Diet, Eating and Physical Activity
- Heart attack
- Damage to the heart when blood flow to part of it is blocked. Diabetes raises the risk. Source: NIDDK: Diabetes, Heart Disease and Stroke
- Hemoglobin
- The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Glucose sticks to it, which is what the A1C test measures. Source: NIDDK: The A1C Test and Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Also called hypertension. Blood pushes too hard against artery walls. It raises the risk of heart, kidney and eye problems, especially with diabetes. Source: NIDDK: Diabetes, Heart Disease and Stroke
- Hormone
- A chemical messenger made by the body. Insulin and glucagon are hormones. Source: NIDDK: Diabetes
- Hyperglycemia
- High blood glucose. Signs can include thirst, frequent urination and tiredness. Source: MedlinePlus: High Blood Sugar
- Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS)
- A serious condition with very high blood glucose and severe dehydration, most often in type 2 diabetes. Source: MedlinePlus: Diabetes Type 2
- Hypoglycemia
- Low blood glucose, usually below 70 mg/dL. Signs can include shakiness, sweating, confusion and a fast heartbeat. Source: NIDDK: Low Blood Glucose (Hypoglycemia)
- Hypoglycemia unawareness
- When a person does not feel the usual warning signs of low blood glucose. This can be dangerous. Source: NIDDK: Low Blood Glucose (Hypoglycemia)
I
- Infusion set
- The thin tube and small needle or soft cannula that delivers insulin from a tubed insulin pump into the body. Related: Switched Your CGM or Pump? What to Do With Old Supplies, We buy Infusion set, Get a Quote. Source: NIDDK: Insulin Pumps (Artificial Pancreas)
- Injection site
- The place on the body where an insulin shot is given, such as the belly or thigh. Source: NIDDK: Insulin, Medicines and Other Diabetes Treatments
- Insulin
- A hormone made by the pancreas that helps glucose get into the body's cells for energy. People with type 1 diabetes, and some with type 2, take insulin as medicine. Source: NIDDK: Insulin, Medicines and Other Diabetes Treatments
- Insulin pen
- A pen-shaped device for injecting insulin. It uses a disposable pen needle. Source: NIDDK: Insulin, Medicines and Other Diabetes Treatments
- Insulin pump
- A small device worn on the body that delivers insulin through the day. Some use tubing and an infusion set. Others, like patch pumps, attach directly to the skin. Related: Switched Your CGM or Pump? What to Do With Old Supplies, We buy Insulin pump, Get a Quote. Source: NIDDK: Insulin Pumps (Artificial Pancreas)
- Insulin resistance
- When cells in the muscles, fat and liver do not respond well to insulin, so glucose stays in the blood. It is linked to type 2 diabetes. Source: NIDDK: Insulin Resistance and Prediabetes
- Insulin sensitivity factor
- How much one unit of insulin lowers blood glucose. Also called correction factor. Set by your care team. Source: NIDDK: Insulin, Medicines and Other Diabetes Treatments
- Intermediate-acting insulin
- Insulin that starts working in a few hours and lasts about half a day. Source: NIDDK: Insulin, Medicines and Other Diabetes Treatments
K
- Ketone test
- A urine or blood test that checks for ketones. Source: MedlinePlus: Ketones in Urine
- Ketones
- Chemicals made when the body burns fat for energy. High levels can be a sign of DKA. Source: MedlinePlus: Diabetic Ketoacidosis
- Kidney disease
- Damage that keeps the kidneys from filtering blood well. Diabetes is a leading cause. Source: NIDDK: Diabetic Kidney Disease
L
- LADA
- Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults. A slow-developing form of autoimmune diabetes found in adults. Source: MedlinePlus: Diabetes Type 1
- Lancet
- A small, sharp needle used to prick the skin for a drop of blood for a glucose test. Used lancets are sharps. Related: How Do I Dispose of Diabetic Sharps in California?, What we buy, Get a Quote. Source: FDA: Safely Using Sharps
- Lancing device
- A spring-loaded tool that holds a lancet and makes finger sticks quicker and less painful. Source: NIDDK: Managing Diabetes
- LDL cholesterol
- Low-density lipoprotein, often called "bad" cholesterol. High levels raise the risk of heart disease. Source: NIDDK: Diabetes, Heart Disease and Stroke
- Lipid panel
- A blood test that measures cholesterol and triglycerides. Source: MedlinePlus: Cholesterol Levels
- Long-acting insulin
- Insulin that works slowly and evenly for about a day. Often used as basal insulin. Source: NIDDK: Insulin, Medicines and Other Diabetes Treatments
- Low blood sugar
- Another name for hypoglycemia. Source: NIDDK: Low Blood Glucose (Hypoglycemia)
M
- Macular edema
- Swelling in the part of the retina used for sharp, straight-ahead vision. It can be caused by diabetic retinopathy. Source: NIDDK: Diabetic Eye Disease
- Meal plan
- A guide for what and how much to eat at each meal. Source: MedlinePlus: Diabetic Diet
- Medi-Cal
- California's Medicaid program. Related: Can I Sell Diabetic Supplies From Medicare or Medi-Cal?. Source: MedlinePlus: Medicaid
- Medicaid
- A government health program for people with low income. In California it is called Medi-Cal. Related: Can I Sell Diabetic Supplies From Medicare or Medi-Cal?. Source: MedlinePlus: Medicaid
- Medical alert ID
- A bracelet, necklace or card that tells others you have diabetes in an emergency. Source: NIDDK: Low Blood Glucose (Hypoglycemia)
- Medicare
- The federal health insurance program for people 65 and older and some younger people with disabilities. Related: Can I Sell Diabetic Supplies From Medicare or Medi-Cal?. Source: MedlinePlus: Medicare
- Medicare Part B
- The part of Medicare that covers doctor visits and some medical supplies, including many diabetes supplies. Related: Can I Sell Diabetic Supplies From Medicare or Medi-Cal?. Source: MedlinePlus: Medicare
- Medtronic MiniMed
- A brand of insulin pumps and related supplies. Related: We buy Medtronic MiniMed, Get a Quote. Source: NIDDK: Insulin Pumps (Artificial Pancreas)
- Metabolic syndrome
- A group of conditions, such as high blood pressure, high blood glucose, extra belly fat and abnormal cholesterol, that together raise the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Source: MedlinePlus: Diabetes
- Metformin
- A common pill used to treat type 2 diabetes. Source: MedlinePlus: Diabetes Medicines
- mg/dL
- Milligrams per deciliter. The unit used for blood glucose readings in the United States. Source: NIDDK: Managing Diabetes
- Microalbumin test
- A urine test that looks for small amounts of albumin, an early sign of kidney damage. Source: MedlinePlus: Microalbumin Creatinine Ratio
- MODY
- Maturity-onset diabetes of the young. A rare form of diabetes caused by a change in a single gene. Source: MedlinePlus Genetics: MODY
- Monogenic diabetes
- Diabetes caused by a change in one gene. MODY is one type. Source: MedlinePlus Genetics: MODY
N
- Nephropathy
- Kidney disease. Diabetic nephropathy is kidney damage caused by diabetes. Source: NIDDK: Diabetic Kidney Disease
- Neuropathy
- Nerve damage. In diabetes, it often starts in the feet. Source: MedlinePlus: Diabetic Nerve Problems
- Nutrition facts label
- The label on packaged food that lists calories, carbohydrates and other nutrients per serving. Source: MedlinePlus: Nutrition
O
- Obesity
- Having a high amount of body fat. It raises the risk of type 2 diabetes. Source: MedlinePlus: Obesity
- Omnipod
- A tubeless insulin pump that sticks to the skin. Models include Omnipod 5 and Omnipod DASH. Related: How Do I Sell Omnipod 5 and DASH Pods?, We buy Omnipod, Get a Quote. Source: NIDDK: Insulin Pumps (Artificial Pancreas)
- OneTouch
- A brand of blood glucose meters and test strips, including OneTouch Ultra and Verio. Related: We buy OneTouch, Get a Quote. Source: NIDDK: Managing Diabetes
- Oral glucose tolerance test
- A test that measures blood glucose before and after drinking a sweet drink. Used to diagnose diabetes and gestational diabetes. Source: NIDDK: Diabetes Tests and Diagnosis
P
- Pancreas
- An organ behind the stomach that makes insulin and digestive juices. Source: NIDDK: Diabetes
- Pen needle
- A small disposable needle that screws onto an insulin pen. Used pen needles are sharps. Related: What we buy, Get a Quote. Source: FDA: Safely Using Sharps
- Periodontal disease
- Gum disease. High blood glucose raises the risk. Regular dental visits help. Source: NIDDK: Diabetes, Gum Disease and Other Dental Problems
- Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
- Narrowed blood vessels that reduce blood flow to the legs and feet. More common with diabetes. Source: NIDDK: Diabetes, Heart Disease and Stroke
- Pharmacy benefit
- The part of a health plan that pays for medicines and some supplies bought at a pharmacy. Related: Should I Remove Pharmacy Labels Before Selling?. Source: MedlinePlus: Health Insurance
- Physical activity
- Any movement that uses energy, like walking or gardening. Source: MedlinePlus: Exercise and Physical Fitness
- Plate method
- An easy meal guide: half the plate non-starchy vegetables, a quarter protein and a quarter carbohydrate foods. Source: NIDDK: Diabetes Diet, Eating and Physical Activity
- Polydipsia
- Being very thirsty. It can be a sign of high blood glucose. Source: MedlinePlus: Diabetes Type 2
- Polyuria
- Urinating often. It can be a sign of high blood glucose. Source: MedlinePlus: Diabetes Type 2
- Portion size
- The amount of a food you eat at one time. Source: MedlinePlus: Diabetic Diet
- Post-meal glucose
- Blood glucose measured 1 to 2 hours after starting a meal. Also called postprandial glucose. Source: NIDDK: Managing Diabetes
- Prediabetes
- Blood glucose that is higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes. Lifestyle changes can often prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. Source: NIDDK: Insulin Resistance and Prediabetes
- Prescription
- An order from a doctor or other provider for a medicine or medical supply. Related: What Diabetic Supplies Can't Be Sold to Us?. Source: MedlinePlus: Health Insurance
- When a health plan must approve a medicine or supply before it will pay for it. Source: MedlinePlus: Health Insurance
- Protein
- A nutrient found in meat, fish, eggs, beans and dairy. It has little direct effect on blood glucose. Source: MedlinePlus: Nutrition
R
- Random blood glucose test
- A blood glucose test done at any time of day, without fasting. Source: NIDDK: Diabetes Tests and Diagnosis
- Rapid-acting insulin
- Insulin that starts working within about 15 minutes, usually taken with meals. Source: NIDDK: Insulin, Medicines and Other Diabetes Treatments
- Reader
- A handheld device that shows CGM readings. Many people use a phone app instead. Related: We buy Reader, Get a Quote. Source: NIDDK: Continuous Glucose Monitoring
- REF number
- The reference or model number printed on a medical product box. It helps identify the exact product. Related: Dexcom G7 15 Day vs 10 Day: How Can I Tell Which One I Have?, We buy REF number, Get a Quote. Source: NIDDK: Continuous Glucose Monitoring
- Reservoir
- See Cartridge. The part of a pump that holds insulin. Related: We buy Reservoir, Get a Quote. Source: NIDDK: Insulin Pumps (Artificial Pancreas)
- Retinopathy
- See Diabetic retinopathy. Source: NIDDK: Diabetic Eye Disease
- Rule of 15
- A common way to treat low blood glucose: eat or drink 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate, check again after 15 minutes, and repeat if still low. Follow your own care team's plan. Source: NIDDK: Low Blood Glucose (Hypoglycemia)
S
- Saturated fat
- A type of fat found in meat, butter and cheese. Too much can raise cholesterol. Source: NIDDK: Diabetes, Heart Disease and Stroke
- Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG)
- Checking your own blood glucose at home with a meter. Source: NIDDK: Managing Diabetes
- Sensor
- The part of a CGM that sits just under the skin and measures glucose. Sensors are replaced every several days, depending on the brand. Related: How Should I Store Diabetic Supplies Before Selling?, What we buy, Get a Quote. Source: NIDDK: Continuous Glucose Monitoring
- Needles, lancets, pen needles and other items that can puncture skin. They must go in a sharps container, not the trash. Related: How Do I Dispose of Diabetic Sharps in California?. Source: FDA: Safely Using Sharps
- A strong, puncture-resistant container for used needles and lancets. Related: How Do I Dispose of Diabetic Sharps in California?. Source: FDA: Safely Using Sharps
- Short-acting insulin
- Also called regular insulin. It starts working in about 30 minutes and is taken before meals. Source: NIDDK: Insulin, Medicines and Other Diabetes Treatments
- Sick day plan
- A plan from your care team for managing diabetes when you are ill, including how often to check glucose and ketones. Source: NIDDK: Managing Diabetes
- Sodium
- A mineral found in salt. Too much can raise blood pressure. Source: MedlinePlus: Sodium
- Starch
- A type of carbohydrate found in bread, rice, potatoes and pasta. Source: MedlinePlus: Carbohydrates
- Stelo
- An over-the-counter glucose biosensor from Dexcom for adults who do not use insulin. Related: We buy Stelo, Get a Quote. Source: NIDDK: Continuous Glucose Monitoring
- Stroke
- Damage to the brain when blood flow is blocked or a blood vessel bursts. Diabetes raises the risk. Source: NIDDK: Diabetes, Heart Disease and Stroke
- Sugar
- A sweet carbohydrate. Table sugar, honey and fruit sugar are examples. Source: MedlinePlus: Carbohydrates
- Syringe
- A tube with a needle used to give shots, such as insulin. Related: How Do I Dispose of Diabetic Sharps in California?. Source: FDA: Safely Using Sharps
T
- Tandem t:slim X2
- An insulin pump made by Tandem Diabetes Care that uses tubing and infusion sets. Related: We buy Tandem t:slim X2, Get a Quote. Source: NIDDK: Insulin Pumps (Artificial Pancreas)
- Target range
- The blood glucose levels your care team wants you to stay within. Source: NIDDK: Managing Diabetes
- Test strip
- A small strip that you put in a blood glucose meter along with a drop of blood to get a reading. Related: How Much Are Diabetic Test Strips Worth?, We buy Test strip, Get a Quote. Source: NIDDK: Managing Diabetes
- Thirst
- A common sign of high blood glucose. Source: MedlinePlus: High Blood Sugar
- Time in range
- The percentage of time your glucose stays within a target range, often measured with a CGM. Source: American Diabetes Association
- Transmitter
- The part of some CGM systems that sends sensor readings wirelessly to a reader, phone or pump. Related: Can I Sell Dexcom G6 Sensors and Transmitters?, We buy Transmitter, Get a Quote. Source: NIDDK: Continuous Glucose Monitoring
- Triglycerides
- A type of fat in the blood. High levels can raise the risk of heart disease. Source: NIDDK: Diabetes, Heart Disease and Stroke
- Type 1 diabetes
- A condition in which the body's immune system destroys the cells that make insulin. People with type 1 need insulin every day. Source: NIDDK: What Is Diabetes?
- Type 1.5 diabetes
- An informal name for LADA. Source: MedlinePlus: Diabetes Type 1
- Type 2 diabetes
- The most common type of diabetes. The body does not make or use insulin well. It is managed with lifestyle changes, medicines and sometimes insulin. Source: NIDDK: Type 2 Diabetes
U
- Unit (insulin)
- The standard measure for insulin doses. Source: NIDDK: Insulin, Medicines and Other Diabetes Treatments
- Urine albumin test
- A test that checks for a protein called albumin in the urine. It is a sign of early kidney damage. Source: NIDDK: Diabetic Kidney Disease
- Urine test
- A test of a urine sample. It can check for glucose, ketones or albumin. Source: MedlinePlus: Glucose in Urine Test
W
- Warm-up period
- The time after a new CGM sensor is placed before it starts showing readings. Source: NIDDK: Continuous Glucose Monitoring
- Whole grains
- Grains that keep all parts of the seed, like brown rice and oats. They have more fiber. Source: MedlinePlus: Dietary Fiber
Y
- Youth-onset type 2 diabetes
- Type 2 diabetes that starts in childhood or the teen years. Source: MedlinePlus: Diabetes in Children and Teens
For information only. This glossary is not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or care team about your health.