Terms

Basic terms for type 2 diabetes

1. General concepts

• Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease in which the body ineffectively uses insulin (insulin resistance) or does not produce enough of it.

• Glucose is the main source of energy for cells, the level of which in the blood needs to be controlled.

• Insulinis a pancreatic hormone that helps glucose enter cells.

• Hyperglycemia—high blood sugar (above 7 mmol/l on an empty stomach).

• Hypoglycemia – low sugar level (below 3.9 mmol/l), a dangerous condition.

• HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) – an indicator of the average sugar level over the last 2-3 months (normal < 5.7%, with diabetes ≥ 6.5%).

2. Diagnostics and control

• Insulin resistance — a decrease in the sensitivity of cells to insulin.

• Glucometer — a device for measuring blood glucose levels.

• C-peptide — an indicator of the production of your own insulin.

• Postprandial glycemia — sugar level 2 hours after eating.

3. Complications

• Diabetic neuropathy – nerve damage (numbness, pain in the limbs).

• Retinopathy – damage to the retinal vessels leading to blindness.

• Nephropathy – damage to the kidneys.

• Diabetic foot – ulcers and infections of the feet due to poor circulation.

4. Treatment

• Metformin is a first-line drug to reduce insulin resistance.

• Sulfonylureas — stimulate insulin production (for example, glibenclamide).

• GLP-1 agonists(liraglutide) — reduce appetite and sugar.

• SGLT2 inhibitors(dapagliflozin) — remove glucose through the kidneys.

5. Lifestyle

• Low-carbohydrate diet — food with a restriction of fast carbohydrates.

• Glycemic index (GI) — an indicator of the effect of food on sugar levels.

• Ketoacidosis — a dangerous condition when a sharp increase in ketones in the blood (rarely in type 2).

6. Additional terms

• Metabolic syndrome – a combination of obesity, hypertension and insulin resistance.

• Prediabetes – borderline state (HbA1c 5.7–6.4%).

• Basal insulin – long-acting to maintain background levels.

Knowing these terms will help you better understand your disease and manage your diabetes more effectively! 📚💙