Understanding diabetes jargon

Basal bolus - part of an injectable insulin regime. Basal insulins last for a long time but work slowly. Once or twice daily doses of these are complemented by top-up bolus doses of rapid-acting insulin to reduce high blood sugar when you eat.

Blood glucose meter - machine using test strips to estimate blood sugar level

BM - an outdated term. This abbreviation was used for a paper strip designed to estimate blood sugar levels. It has been replaced, but you may still hear your 'blood sugar' measurement referred to as 'BMs'.

Blood sugar level - a value, in mmol/litre, of the sugar content (glucose) of your blood. Used in both diagnosis and monitoring of disease.

Blood sugar targets - the agreed target range for your blood sugar level as part of your treatment

Carbohydrate 'carb' counting - the process of monitoring food intake to help predict insulin need. Very useful in planning effective treatment, and gives you more power in managing your condition.

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) -a dangerous complication of type 1 (and rarely type 2) diabetes, where your body runs out of insulin and breaks down fatty acids instead. This causes toxic ketones to build up and the normal pH (acid-base balance) of your blood is affected.

Diabetic nephropathy - kidney damage caused by long-term high blood sugar levels in diabetes.

Diabetic neuropathy - a catch-all term for nerve damage caused by long-term high blood sugar levels in diabetes. Can lead to pain and to amputations in severe cases.

Diabetic retinopathy - damage to the retina (back of the eye) caused by high blood glucose and vascular disease. Causes gradual loss of vision.

Diabetologist/Endocrinologist - different terms for a doctor specialising in diabetes.

Glucose - the basic sugar used by your body for energy. Measured in the blood using 'test strips' and a 'blood glucose meter.'

Hba1c - a blood test used to estimate average blood sugar levels and control over the last three months.

Hyperglycaemia - a state of high blood sugar (high blood glucose).

Hypoglycaemia - a potentially dangerous state of low blood sugar (low blood glucose) - a possible side-effect of diabetes treatments, especially insulin and sulfonylureas.

Impaired glucose tolerance/pre-diabetes - a state of high blood sugar, not high enough for a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes but meaning you are at higher risk of type 2 diabetes and its complications.

Insulin - a hormone required to process sugar in the body.

Insulin pen - a delivery device for injectable insulin. Comes in variable strengths.

Insulin pump - a delivery device for constant or pulsed insulin injection. Attached through a tiny tube under your skin and worn 24 hours a day.

Ketosis - the build-up of a toxic substance called ketones caused by your body breaking down fatty acids for energy when it runs out of insulin. Rare in type 2 diabetes, it can affect people with type 1 diabetes if they do not take enough insulin, are generally unwell, etc.

Ketotic coma (diabetic coma) - an extremely dangerous state where blood toxicity caused by ketosis leads to unconsciousness, and if untreated, death.

Pancreas - a body organ that produces insulin and other hormones.

Peripheral neuropathy - nerve damage to the toes, feet, fingers and hands. Occurs progressively with diabetes if blood glucose levels are high over a long period

Rapid-acting insulin - a quick-acting dose of insulin taken with meals. Mimics natural Insulin spike. Taken as part of your treatment regime.

Type 1 diabetes - caused by the complete absence of insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas to metabolise glucose (sugars).

Type 2 diabetes - is caused by a gradual wearing out of cellular transporters for glucose by a long period of elevated blood sugar (hyperglycaemia).

Quick-acting carbohydrate - a form of carbohydrate designed to replace blood sugars quickly in the case of sudden hypoglycaemia. Can include sugary drinks, glucose tablets or sweets (candy). Injectable forms exist.