Complete Diabetes Glossary

A1C (A-one-C)
💡 Quick Take: A1C shows your 3-month blood sugar average—your diabetes report card.

A blood test that measures your average blood glucose level over the past 2-3 months by checking how much glucose is attached to the hemoglobin in your red blood cells. Results are given as a percentage.

Target ranges:

  • Non-diabetic: Below 5.7%
  • Prediabetes: 5.7-6.4%
  • Diabetes diagnosis: 6.5% or higher
  • Management goal: Usually below 7% (individualized)
✓ Why it matters: This is the gold standard test for assessing long-term diabetes control. It shows whether your daily management is working and helps predict your risk for complications. The DCCT study proved that keeping A1C near 7% dramatically reduces complication risk.
✝️ Faith Connection

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9

Your A1C represents months of small choices. Every carb counted, every glucose check, every mindful meal—they all add up. Progress, not perfection, is the goal. God sees your faithfulness in the daily work.

Related terms: eAG Time in Range Blood Glucose Complications
Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)
💡 Quick Take: Blood sugar below 70 mg/dL. TREAT IMMEDIATELY with fast carbs. Rule of 15. Can be life-threatening.

Symptoms: Shaking, sweating, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, hunger, confusion, weakness, irritability, pale skin, blurred vision

Treatment – Rule of 15:

  1. Check blood sugar to confirm it’s below 70 mg/dL
  2. Eat 15g fast-acting carbs (4 glucose tablets, ½ cup juice, ½ cup regular soda)
  3. Wait 15 minutes (sit still, don’t exercise)
  4. Recheck blood sugar
  5. If still below 70, repeat treatment
  6. Once above 70, eat a snack with protein to prevent another drop
⚠️ Critical Warning: Severe lows can cause seizures, unconsciousness, or death if untreated. If someone is unconscious or seizing, use glucagon injection + call 911 immediately. Never try to force food or drink into someone who can’t swallow safely.
✝️ Faith Connection

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.” — Psalm 28:7

Lows are scary. Your hands shake, your heart races, fear floods in. In those moments, treat the low first, then breathe with God. He’s your strength when your body feels weak. You’re not alone in the shaking—He holds you steady.

Related terms: Glucose Tablets Rule of 15 Glucagon Emergency
Insulin
💡 Quick Take: Hormone that moves glucose from blood into cells. Type 1 diabetics need it to survive. Type 2 may need it eventually.

A hormone made by beta cells in your pancreas that acts like a key, unlocking your cells so glucose can enter and be used for energy. Without insulin, glucose builds up in your blood instead of fueling your cells—like having a car full of gas but no key to start the engine.

Types by action time:

  • Rapid-Acting: Humalog, Novolog, Apidra (works in 15 min, lasts 3-5 hours)
  • Long-Acting: Lantus, Levemir, Basaglar (works in 1-2 hours, lasts 24 hours)
  • Ultra-Long: Tresiba (works in 1-2 hours, lasts 42+ hours – most stable)
✓ Why it matters: If you have Type 1 diabetes, you’ll take insulin multiple times daily for survival—it’s not optional. Some people with Type 2 also need insulin when their pancreas can’t keep up with demand. Insulin allows you to live a full, active life despite diabetes.
✝️ Faith Connection

“Give us today our daily bread.” — Matthew 6:11

Just as we pray for daily bread, insulin is Type 1 diabetics’ “daily bread”—necessary for life. Thank God for the scientists who discovered it in 1921, saving millions of lives. Each injection is a gift of continued life and a reminder of God’s provision through human wisdom.

Related terms: Basal Insulin Bolus Insulin Beta Cells Insulin Pump Type 1 Diabetes

✨ More terms coming soon!

This glossary includes 100+ diabetes terms with detailed definitions, faith-based encouragement, and practical guidance. Use the search bar above or alphabet navigation to explore all terms. New content added regularly!