This quick reference is your comprehensive lookup of diabetes terms and their meanings.
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HbA1c -
A test to identify the average blood glucose level over the last 2-3 months. Also known as glycosylated haemoglobin, this test measures the amount of glucose that attaches to red blood cells which depends on how much glucose is in the bloodstream. If BGLs have been high over the 2-3 month period, more glucose will attach to the red blood cells and HbA1c will be high. If BGLs are mostly within the recommended range, then HbA1c will be closer to the desired level.
Honeymoon Period -
A remission phase after the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes when there is partial, temporary recovery of insulin production by the pancreas. The amount of injected insulin required to manage diabetes is significantly reduced. The honeymoon period may last a few months to a year.
Hormone -
Hormones are chemicals released by special cells that tell other cells what to do. For instance, insulin is a hormone made by the beta cells in the pancreas. When released, insulin tells other cells to use glucose (sugar) for energy.
Human Insulin -
Insulin that has been manufactured to be identical to that produced naturally in the human pancreas.
Hyperglycaemia -
Blood glucose levels higher than the desirable range.
Hyperlipidemia -
Too high a level of fats (lipids) in the blood.
Hypoglycaemia -
Blood glucose levels lower than the desirable range.