Type 2 Diabetes Glossary: 51 Terms You Should Know

From A1C to CGM and more, get familiar with the following terms to become an expert at managing type 2 diabetes.

Being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and managing the condition can feel overwhelming, especially at the beginning. Not only do we get thrown into the deep end of managing our blood sugars, but there are so many other things to learn. We have numbers to track, foods to eat, and specialists to see. It’s like learning a foreign language.

You’ll likely hear a lot of medical jargon from your healthcare team, and if you’re part of an online support community, you may find they have a language all their own.

Let this glossary of terms be your getting-started guide to all things type 2 diabetes.

Join the free T2D community!

Connect with thousands of members and find support through daily live chats, curated resources, and one-to-one messaging.

Sign up

A1C

Also known as hemoglobin A1C, this blood test assesses your average blood sugar levels over the past 3 months. It’s commonly used to diagnose type 2 diabetes. It’s also used as a benchmark to see how your current regimen is affecting your numbers. Most practitioners will order an A1C check every 3 to 6 months.

Autonomic neuropathy

This type of neuropathy, or nerve damage, is a complication of type 2 diabetes that affects the nerves that control your body’s systems. It can affect your heart and blood vessels, sex organs, urinary tract, eyes, and digestive system.

Blood glucose (blood sugar)

The body’s main source of energy (found in the blood).

Blood pressure

Blood pressure is the force of blood flow inside blood vessels. Higher blood pressure can lead to a higher risk of heart disease. You should discuss your target blood pressure numbers with your healthcare professional, but blood pressure levels below 120/80 mm Hg are within the normal range.

Brittle diabetes

A term used when a person’s blood sugars fluctuate dramatically between high and low levels.

C-Peptide

A substance released by the pancreas in equal amounts to insulin. A C-Peptide blood test can show how much insulin the body is making.

Carb counting

Counting the number of carbohydrates in each meal to calculate the appropriate insulin dose.

Carbohydrates

One of the three main nutrients that make up all food. Carbohydrates come in three forms: sugar, fiber, and starch.

CGM

Abbreviation for continuous glucose monitor. A CGM is a device that measures blood glucose without needing a finger stick. The device is most commonly worn on the stomach or the back of the arm.

Cholesterol

A type of fat produced by the liver. It’s also found in some foods. Keeping your cholesterol levels under control can lower your risk of heart disease.

Dawn phenomenon

An early morning rise in blood sugar, usually between the hours of 4 a.m. to 8 a.m.

Diabetes burnout

The emotional overwhelm and exhaustion that is caused by dealing with the constant management of type 2 diabetes.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)

A life threatening complication caused by the buildup of ketones in the body. Early symptoms of DKA include high blood glucose, extreme thirst, frequent urination, and high levels of ketones in the urine. More serious symptoms can appear such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, feeling tired all the time, fruity odor on breath, and difficulty breathing.

Endocrinologist

A specialist who treats people with endocrine problems such as thyroid disease and diabetes.

Fast-acting insulin (also known as rapid-acting insulin)

Typically administered at mealtimes, fast-acting insulin begins to work within 15 minutes, peaks in 1 to 2 hours, and usually lasts for 2 to 4 hours.

Fats

Fat is a macronutrient that plays an important part in the body. Eating the right amounts of the right types of fat helps reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers.

Fasting blood sugar (FBS)

The reading when checking your blood sugar after not eating for 8 to 12 hours, usually in the morning.

Fiber

A type of carbohydrate that’s not digestible by the body. Fiber is found in vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, and nuts. Adults should aim to consume around 25 to 35 grams of fiber daily.

Gastroparesis

Caused by neuropathy, this condition affects the stomach. Food is slower to digest, causing nausea, bloating, and vomiting. This can make managing blood sugar more difficult.

Gestational diabetes

A type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy.

Glucagon

A hormone produced naturally by the pancreas that raises blood glucose. An injectable form of glucagon can be used to treat severely low levels of blood sugar.

Glucometer

An at-home device you can use to check your blood sugar.

Glucose tabs

Glucose chewable tablets are used to treat low blood sugar. They are a quick-acting form of glucose and can be purchased at all pharmacies and most grocery stores.

Hyperglycemia

Also known as high blood sugar.

Hypoglycemia

Also known as low blood sugar.

Insulin

A hormone created inside the pancreas that’s released by beta cells to help the body use or store the blood glucose it gets from food.

Insulin resistance

A condition where the body doesn’t respond to or use the insulin it makes properly.

Ketones

A chemical that is produced when there isn’t enough insulin in the blood, so the body starts using fat as fuel. (Also see DKA.)

Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA)

A condition where type 1 diabetes develops in adults.

Long-acting insulin

This type of insulin reaches the bloodstream several hours after injection and can last up to 24 hours.

Macronutrients (macros)

These are the nutrients the body needs in larger amounts: protein, carbohydrates, and fat.

Metformin

An oral medication used to treat type 2 diabetes.

Nephropathy (kidney disease)

This is kidney damage that’s often caused by hyperglycemia and high blood pressure. When the kidneys are damaged, they can’t effectively filter waste from the bloodstream.

Net carbs

While not officially recognized, the term is used by those who are carb-counting and following diets like keto or low carb. The amount of net carbs in a food is calculated by taking the total carbohydrate amount and subtracting the amount of fiber and sugar alcohols. While it has gained popularity, using total carbs may be more beneficial in managing blood glucose.

Neuropathy

Nerve damage caused by diabetes.

Ophthalmologist

An eye specialist. People living with diabetes should see an ophthalmologist once a year.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS often goes hand-in-hand with insulin resistance and is one of the most common causes of fertility issues. Women with PCOS can make insulin, but their bodies have a hard time using it effectively, therefore increasing their risk of type 2 diabetes.

Peripheral neuropathy

A type of nerve damage that affects the extremities and causes tingling, numbness, and pain in the hands, legs, and feet.

Postprandial

Your blood sugar levels 2 to 3 hours after a meal. People who are pregnant can check 1 hour after eating.

Prediabetes

A diagnosis that’s given when people have blood glucose levels just below the levels that indicate type 2 diabetes.

Protein

One of the three main macronutrients. Protein helps with cell structure and muscle composition and is needed to produce hormones such as insulin.

Retinopathy

An eye disease that is caused by damage to the blood vessels in the retina. It can result in loss of vision.

Side effects (S/E)

Any unintended action or reaction to a drug.

Sugar alcohols

Sugar alcohols include erythritol, hydrogenated starch hydrolysates, isomalt, lactitol, maltitol, mannitol, sorbitol, and xylitol. They have a smaller effect on blood glucose than other carbohydrates.

Sugar substitutes

Alternatives to sugar such as Stevia, Sweet’N Low, and Splenda. They have little to no impact on blood glucose levels.

Time in range (TIR)

The amount of time spent in the target glucose range (measured by a CGM).

Total carbohydrates

Found on a nutrition label, the total carbohydrate count includes sugar, starch, and fiber.

Triglycerides

Fat that’s stored in the blood. High triglycerides can be linked to uncontrolled diabetes.

Type 1

An autoimmune disease where the body attacks its own beta cells, leading to a complete lack of insulin production by the body.

Type 2

A disease where high blood sugar is caused by the body’s inability to produce enough insulin or the inability to use the insulin it produces effectively.

WOE

Abbreviation for “way of eating.”