From A1C to BG: A Clear Glossary of Terms for Persons with Diabetes

18 Sep 2025 By Aleksandra Kukla, M.D.

From A1C to BG: A Clear Glossary of Terms for Persons with Diabetes

Living with diabetes involves understanding a new vocabulary. From blood glucose levels to insulin types, navigating the world of diabetes can feel overwhelming. This comprehensive glossary aims to simplify those terms, providing clear and concise definitions that empower individuals with diabetes to manage their health effectively. Let's break down the key terms from A1C to BG (Blood Glucose), and everything in between. Factors Affecting Blood Sugar Why Your Levels Fluctuate

Why is Understanding Diabetes Terminology Important?

Understanding diabetes terminology isn't just about knowing the words; it's about gaining control over your health. Here's why it's crucial:

Improved Self-Management: Knowing the terms allows you to understand your doctor's instructions, test results, and medication labels.
Better Communication: Clear communication with healthcare providers ensures you receive the best possible care tailored to your needs.
Informed Decision-Making: When you understand the terminology, you can actively participate in decisions about your treatment plan and lifestyle adjustments.
Reduced Anxiety: Familiarizing yourself with the terms demystifies the condition and reduces anxiety associated with the unknown.

By equipping yourself with this knowledge, you become an active participant in your diabetes management, leading to better health outcomes and overall well-being. Creating Your Personal Plan For Better Blood Sugar Control

Key Diabetes Terms Explained: A to Z

Let’s delve into the alphabet soup of diabetes terminology. This section provides definitions, explanations, and context for each term.

A

A1C (Glycated Hemoglobin): A blood test that reflects your average blood glucose level over the past 2-3 months. It's expressed as a percentage. An A1C of 6.5% or higher indicates diabetes. It provides a long-term view compared to a single blood glucose reading. For example, an A1C of 7% means your average blood glucose has been around 154 mg/dL.
ADA (American Diabetes Association): A leading non-profit organization dedicated to preventing and curing diabetes and improving the lives of all people affected by diabetes. They provide guidelines, resources, and support.
Antibodies: Proteins produced by the immune system to fight foreign substances. In type 1 diabetes, the body mistakenly attacks its own insulin-producing cells with autoantibodies.

B

Basal Insulin: Long-acting insulin that provides a steady background level of insulin throughout the day. It helps regulate blood glucose between meals and during sleep.
BG (Blood Glucose): The amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood. It's measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). This is a critical measurement for managing diabetes. Knowing your blood glucose levels helps you make informed decisions about diet, exercise, and medication.
Blood Glucose Meter: A device used to measure blood glucose levels. It requires a small blood sample, typically obtained from a finger prick.
Bolus Insulin: Short-acting or rapid-acting insulin taken before meals to cover the carbohydrates you eat. It's also used to correct high blood glucose levels.

C

Carbohydrates: Nutrients found in foods like bread, rice, pasta, fruits, and sweets. They are the body's primary source of energy and raise blood glucose levels.
Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES): A healthcare professional who specializes in diabetes education and management. They can provide guidance on diet, exercise, medication, and blood glucose monitoring.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM): A device that continuously tracks blood glucose levels throughout the day and night. It consists of a sensor inserted under the skin and a transmitter that sends data to a receiver or smartphone.

D

DKA (Diabetic Ketoacidosis): A serious complication of diabetes that occurs when the body doesn't have enough insulin to use glucose for energy. The body then breaks down fat, producing ketones, which can become toxic at high levels.
Diabetes: A chronic metabolic disorder characterized by elevated blood glucose levels. It occurs when the body doesn't produce enough insulin or can't effectively use the insulin it produces.
Diabetes Distress: The emotional burden of living with diabetes, including feelings of frustration, anger, sadness, and burnout.

E

Endocrinologist: A doctor who specializes in the endocrine system, including diabetes and other hormonal disorders.
Exercise: Physical activity that helps lower blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity.

F

Fasting Blood Glucose: Blood glucose level measured after not eating or drinking anything (except water) for at least 8 hours. It's often used to diagnose diabetes.
Fat: A nutrient found in foods like oils, butter, nuts, and meats. It can affect blood glucose levels, but generally to a lesser extent than carbohydrates.
Fiber: A type of carbohydrate that the body can't digest. It helps regulate blood glucose levels, promotes satiety, and supports digestive health.

G

Gestational Diabetes: A type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. It usually resolves after delivery but increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Glucagon: A hormone produced by the pancreas that raises blood glucose levels. It's often used to treat severe hypoglycemia (low blood glucose).
Glucose: A simple sugar that is the body's primary source of energy. It comes from the carbohydrates in the food you eat.
Glycemic Index (GI): A measure of how quickly a food raises blood glucose levels. Foods with a high GI are digested and absorbed rapidly, causing a quick spike in blood glucose.
Glycemic Load (GL): A measure that considers both the glycemic index of a food and the amount of carbohydrate it contains. It provides a more accurate picture of a food's effect on blood glucose levels.

H

HbA1c: (See A1C)
Hyperglycemia: High blood glucose levels. Symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, and blurred vision.
Hypoglycemia: Low blood glucose levels. Symptoms include shakiness, sweating, dizziness, and confusion.

I

Insulin: A hormone produced by the pancreas that helps glucose enter cells for energy. People with type 1 diabetes don't produce insulin, and people with type 2 diabetes may not produce enough or may be resistant to its effects.
Insulin Resistance: A condition in which the body's cells don't respond properly to insulin, leading to elevated blood glucose levels.

K

Ketones: Chemicals produced when the body breaks down fat for energy due to a lack of insulin. High levels of ketones can lead to DKA.

L

Lipids: Fats and cholesterol in the blood. People with diabetes are at increased risk of developing high lipid levels, which can increase the risk of heart disease.
Low Blood Sugar: (See Hypoglycemia)

M

mg/dL (Milligrams per Deciliter): The unit of measurement used to express blood glucose levels in the United States.
Meal Planning: Creating a structured eating plan that helps manage blood glucose levels by balancing carbohydrate intake, protein, and fat.

N

Neuropathy: Nerve damage caused by high blood glucose levels. It can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the hands and feet.

O

Oral Hypoglycemic Agents: Medications taken by mouth to lower blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes.

P

Pancreas: An organ that produces insulin and other hormones that help regulate blood glucose levels.
Pre-diabetes: A condition in which blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes. It increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
Protein: A nutrient found in foods like meat, poultry, fish, beans, and eggs. It helps build and repair tissues and has a minimal effect on blood glucose levels.

R

Retinopathy: Damage to the blood vessels in the retina caused by high blood glucose levels. It can lead to vision loss and blindness.

S

Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG): Testing your blood glucose levels at home using a blood glucose meter.
Stress: Can affect blood glucose levels. Managing stress through exercise, relaxation techniques, or counseling can improve blood glucose control.

T

Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune disease in which the body's immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. People with type 1 diabetes require insulin injections or an insulin pump to survive.
Type 2 Diabetes: A condition in which the body doesn't produce enough insulin or can't effectively use the insulin it produces. It is often associated with obesity, physical inactivity, and genetics.

U

Units (of Insulin): The measurement used to quantify insulin doses. Insulin syringes and pens are calibrated in units.

V

Vascular Disease: Disease of the blood vessels. People with diabetes are at increased risk of developing vascular disease, which can lead to heart attack, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.

W

Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight through diet and exercise can improve blood glucose control and reduce the risk of diabetes complications.

X, Y, Z

These letters do not have commonly used diabetes-specific terms.

Practical Tips for Using This Glossary

Now that you've explored the glossary, here’s how to make the most of it:

Refer to it Regularly: Keep this glossary handy and consult it whenever you encounter unfamiliar terms in conversations with your healthcare team, while reading diabetes-related materials, or when researching online.
Use it as a Study Guide: Review the terms periodically to reinforce your understanding and identify areas where you may need further clarification.
Share it with Others: Spread the knowledge by sharing this glossary with family members, friends, or caregivers who are involved in your diabetes management.
Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to ask your healthcare provider or diabetes educator if you have any questions about specific terms or concepts.
Personalize It: Add notes or examples that are relevant to your own experience. For instance, you could note which insulin you use and its specific action time.

Real-Life Scenarios: Putting the Glossary into Action

Let's see how this glossary can be applied in everyday situations:

Scenario 1: Doctor's Appointment

During your appointment, your doctor mentions that your A1C is 7.2%. Remembering that A1C reflects your average blood glucose over the past 2-3 months, you understand that your blood glucose control needs improvement. You can then discuss strategies to lower your A1C, such as adjusting your diet, exercise, or medication.

Scenario 2: Hypoglycemia Episode

You start feeling shaky and sweaty. Using your blood glucose meter, you discover that your BG is 65 mg/dL. You recognize this as hypoglycemia. You immediately consume a fast-acting carbohydrate source, such as glucose tablets or juice, to raise your blood glucose levels.

Scenario 3: Meal Planning

You're planning your dinner and want to make informed choices. You opt for foods with a lower glycemic index (GI) to prevent a rapid spike in blood glucose. Instead of white rice, you choose brown rice, which has a lower GI and will be digested more slowly.

Resources for Further Learning

This glossary is a starting point. To deepen your understanding of diabetes, explore these resources:

American Diabetes Association (ADA): The ADA website offers a wealth of information on all aspects of diabetes, including articles, recipes, and support forums (diabetes.org).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): The CDC provides information on diabetes prevention, management, and research (cdc.gov/diabetes).
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK): NIDDK conducts and supports research on diabetes and related conditions (niddk.nih.gov).
Your Healthcare Team: Your doctor, certified diabetes educator, and other healthcare providers are valuable sources of information and support. Don't hesitate to reach out to them with any questions or concerns.

Empowering Yourself Through Knowledge

Understanding the terminology associated with diabetes is crucial for effective self-management. This glossary provides a solid foundation for comprehending diabetes-related information and communicating effectively with your healthcare team. Remember, knowledge is power, and by empowering yourself with this information, you can take control of your health and live a fulfilling life with diabetes. Understanding Normal Blood Sugar Levels By Age A Complete Chart