The content in this article should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider regarding your individual health needs.
When it comes to glucose management, you’ve probably heard many terms thrown around and wondered what they mean. Glucose health can sometimes feel like learning a new language full of acronyms and abbreviations, and understanding these terms doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, once you know the basics, you’ll find it much easier to make sense of your glucose health, your healthcare provider’s advice, or even those nutrition labels at the grocery store.
Let’s decode 14 glucose—and diabetes—related terms that can provide practical insights for understanding glucose health:
1. Blood glucose (aka blood sugar)
Blood glucose is simply the sugar in your blood that your body uses for energy. Keeping the level of glucose in your body balanced throughout the day is key in working toward optimal glucose health.
2. Prediabetes
Prediabetes is when your blood glucose levels are higher than normal but not consistently high enough to be classified as diabetes. It’s a warning sign that you’re at risk of developing type 2 diabetes if you don’t make some lifestyle changes, like eating healthier or getting more exercise. The good news is that with the right steps, you can often prevent or delay the onset of diabetes.
3. Type 2 diabetes
This is a condition where the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or can’t use it effectively, leading to high blood sugar levels. It’s the most common type of diabetes and often develops in adults, but it can happen at any age. Lifestyle factors like eating an unbalanced diet or being inactive can increase your risk. Managing type 2 diabetes typically involves making healthy changes to your diet, staying active, and taking medication to keep your glucose levels in check.
4. Insulin
Insulin is a hormone that helps your body use glucose from the food you eat for energy. It acts like a key, allowing sugar to enter your cells from the bloodstream. People with diabetes either don’t produce enough insulin or their bodies can’t use it effectively, which can lead to high blood sugar levels.
5. Insulin resistance
When your body doesn’t respond well to insulin, it makes it harder for glucose to enter your cells. As a result, your body needs to produce more insulin to keep your glucose under control. Over time, this can lead to higher blood glucose levels and may increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
6. Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates, or “carbs” for short, are basically sugar molecules. They’re one of the three main nutrients, along with proteins and fats, that make up the foods and drinks we consume every day. When you eat carbs, your body breaks them down into glucose. Monitoring carb intake can help with glucose health management.
7. Dawn phenomenon
This is a natural rise in blood sugar that may occur in the early morning, usually between 2 a.m. and 8 a.m. It’s your body's way of getting ready to wake up and start the day by releasing hormones that trigger the liver to release more glucose. If you have diabetes, this can cause a higher-than-normal blood sugar level first thing in the morning.
8. Glucose biosensor
A small, wearable biosensor worn on the back of the upper arm that’s easy to apply on your own. While you’re going about your day, a biosensor measures the glucose levels in the interstitial fluid just beneath your skin and delivers 24/7 insights to your smartphone. Stelo by Dexcom is a glucose biosensor solution available without a prescription. Learn more about Stelo here.
9. Glycemic index
A rating system for carbs, the glycemic index (GI) tells you how quickly a food will raise your glucose after you eat it. Foods with a high GI, like white bread or sugary snacks, may cause a quick spike in glucose while low GI foods, like most fruits and whole grains, have a slower, steadier effect. It’s a handy tool for choosing foods that help keep your blood sugar more balanced.
10. Time in range
Time in range (TIR) refers to the amount of time your glucose levels stay within your target glucose range. It’s a helpful way to understand how well you’re managing your glucose levels throughout the day. The more time you spend in range, the better your glucose management, which will help keep you feeling your best.
11. Target range
The recommended glucose levels to maintain throughout the day. This is typically between 70 and 180 mg/dL for people with type 2 diabetes, and between 70 and 140 mg/dL for those with prediabetes or without diabetes.
12. Hyperglycemia
Hyperglycemia occurs when your blood sugar levels are above the optimal target range (higher than 140 mg/dL, or 180 mg/dL for those with type 2 diabetes). It can happen if your body doesn’t have enough insulin in the system or isn’t using it well, and can be impacted by various factors like stress, nutrition, and illness. If hyperglycemia occurs too often and/or for too long, it can lead to more serious health issues, so it’s important to track and manage it properly.
13. Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia occurs when your blood sugar levels drop below the optimal target range (under 70 mg/dL). It’s often associated with certain medications that are part of diabetes treatment. However, even people without diabetes can experience hypoglycemia due to various other factors. A quick snack with sugar usually helps bring your levels back up.
14. A1C
The HbA1c test reflects your blood sugar’s estimated average over the past three months. It measures your levels by checking the percentage of hemoglobin in your blood that’s coated with sugar. The more there is, the higher your average blood sugar level has been. It’s a simple way to get a big-picture view of your usual glucose levels.
Summing up
Deciphering glucose and diabetes health terms can be challenging, but having a decent handle on them can make a big difference when it comes to managing your glucose health. Whether you're looking to better make sense of your glucose levels, have more informed conversations with your healthcare provider, or simply make healthier choices in your daily life, knowing the language of glucose is a powerful first step.
Curated & reviewed by: Kayce Sol
MA, RN, BSN, CDCES
MA, RN, BSN, CDCES
Kayce Sol is a registered nurse and certified diabetes care and education specialist.
