Glossary of diabetes
Glossary of diabetes
Plain-language definitions of A1c, insulin resistance, CGM, hypoglycemia, GLP-1 therapy and other essential diabetes terms.
Using this diabetes glossary
This glossary explains common diabetes terms in plain language. Targets and treatments are individualized, and definitions do not replace medical diagnosis.
Diabetes terms A–Z
A
- A1c
- A blood test estimating average glucose over roughly two to three months.
B
- Basal insulin
- Longer-acting insulin intended to cover glucose needs between meals and overnight.
- Beta cell
- A pancreatic cell that produces insulin.
- Bolus insulin
- Rapid- or short-acting insulin used for meals or corrections.
C
- Continuous glucose monitor (CGM)
- A sensor that measures glucose in interstitial fluid throughout the day and night.
D
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)
- A dangerous insulin-deficient state with ketones and metabolic acidosis.
F
- Fasting plasma glucose
- A glucose test after at least eight hours without caloric intake.
G
- Gestational diabetes
- Diabetes first diagnosed during pregnancy that requires postpartum follow-up.
- Glucagon
- A hormone that raises glucose; prescription glucagon treats severe hypoglycemia.
- GLP-1 receptor agonist
- An incretin-based medicine affecting glucose, appetite and digestion; indications vary by product.
- Glycemic index
- A ranking of carbohydrate foods by average post-meal glucose effect under standardized conditions.
H
- Hyperglycemia
- Blood glucose above the target range.
- Hypoglycemia
- Blood glucose below target, commonly below 70 mg/dL for many patients.
I
- Insulin resistance
- Reduced cellular response to insulin.
K
- Ketones
- Acids produced from fat metabolism; high levels with insulin deficiency can signal DKA.
M
- Metformin
- A common oral medicine that reduces liver glucose production and improves insulin sensitivity.
N
- Neuropathy
- Nerve damage that may cause pain, numbness or weakness.
P
- Prediabetes
- Glucose above normal but below the diabetes diagnostic range.
R
- Remission
- Glucose below the diabetes threshold without glucose-lowering medication for a defined period; recurrence remains possible.
T
- Time in range
- The percentage of CGM time within an individualized glucose target range.
Numbers require context
A1c, fasting glucose, CGM readings and symptoms should be interpreted with pregnancy status, medications, anemia, kidney disease and individual goals. A repeat test is usually used to confirm diagnosis unless classic symptoms and unequivocal hyperglycemia are present.
How W8MD can help
W8MD coordinates weight-management care with diabetes goals, helping patients understand glucose data, food choices and how weight medicines interact with insulin or sulfonylureas. The primary diabetes clinician remains essential for comprehensive complication screening.
Frequently asked questions
Is blood sugar the same as blood glucose?
Yes; both refer to glucose circulating in blood.
Does prediabetes always progress?
No. Weight management, activity and selected medication can reduce progression risk.
Is remission a cure?
No. Monitoring continues because hyperglycemia can return.
Authoritative sources
Get help understanding diabetes and weight care
W8MD Weight Loss, Sleep & MedSpa provides physician-supervised care in Brooklyn, New York and Northeast Philadelphia. Telehealth may be available for eligible patients based on location and applicable requirements.
Contact W8MD
