Acquiring a Working Knowledge of Blood Sugar Terminology

Hypo-Gluco-What?

Talking about blood sugar is like another language! Metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and diabetes are often discussed by doctors using these terminology.

Blood Glucose

Cells get energy from glucose. Your blood distributes it to your cells from food. Milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) measure "blood sugar" or glucose levels.

Glucose Meter

Blood sugar monitor. Testing the meter with a strip. A spring-driven lancet draws blood using a small needle. The test strip shows your number when blood is touched.

Hyperglycemia and Hypoglycemia

Doctors' terms for high/low blood sugar. Remember that "O" means "hypo-" and "low." Hyperglycemia is usually over 160 mg/dL.High blood sugar in the morning is dubbed "dawn phenomenon." 

Somogyi Effect

 If you consistently check your blood sugar at night. Evening snacks or insulin lowering can counteract the Somogyi effect.

Pancreas

A hand-sized gland under your stomach. Hormones and digestive secretions from Langerhans islets break down and use food.

Insulin

The glucose-using hormone. If your pancreas doesn't produce enough, use artificial insulin. Fast, regular, moderate, and long-acting insulin differ in speed and duration. Multiple kinds regulate blood sugar.

Injection

Take insulin. A needle-and-syringe injection works. The plunger and insulin tubing are on the syringe. Diabetes pens resemble writing pens. Adjust dose, load cartridges, shoot.

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