What is T1D terminology

T1D Terminology

What is Type 1 Diabetes?

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system destroys the cells in the pancreas which produce insulin. It is not preventable, and requires daily insulin injections. For more information, visit diabetesaustralia.com.au/about-diabetes/type-1-diabetes

Diabetes and Glucose Terms

Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease in which one's own immune system destroys Beta cells in the pancreas, which are response for making insulin. People with T1D must manually inject insulin to account for the sugar in their bloodstream, to ultimately keep their glucose levels within range.¹

Blood Glucose Levels
A measurement of the amount of glucose in your bloodstream at a given time.¹ In Australia, this is expressed as mmol/L.

Hypoglycaemia ('Hypo')
Hypoglycaemia can be defined as low blood sugar, usually below 4 mmol/L. It can be caused by taking too much insulin, not eating enough carbohydrates, or strenuous exercise.¹

Hypoglycaemia Unawareness ('Hypo Unaware')
A condition in which one cannot recognise the symptoms of low blood glucose.²

Hyperglycaemia
Hyperglycaemia can be defined as high blood sugar. People with T1D might experience hyperglycaemia if they haven’t taken enough insulin to match the carbohydrates they have eaten, or they are unwell.¹

Ketones
Ketones are acids that are produced when there is too much glucose in your bloodstream, and not enough insulin. When the body doesn’t have enough insulin to convert sugar into energy, it starts burning fat and body tissue instead – producing ketones. When the level of ketones in the body gets too high, this can cause ketoacidosis (DKA).¹

Ketoacidosis
Ketoacidosis is a serious condition which occurs when an individual's glucose levels remain very high (hyperglycaemia). Diabetes Australia state it gradually develops over hours or days and is a sign of insufficient insulin. Symptoms may include rapid breathing, flushed checks, abdominal pain, sweet acetone smell on the breath, vomiting and dehydration.³

It is important to note that if you, or someone you care for, are experiencing any of these symptoms above, you should not hesitate to contact 000 or your local hospital emergency department if you need immediate assistance.

Insulin
A hormone produced by the pancreas. The body uses insulin to move glucose from the bloodstream into cells where it can be used as energy. All people living with T1D need to take insulin.⁴

Basal Insulin
Basal insulin (also known as 'background insulin') keeps blood-sugar levels stable between meals or during sleep. It plays a vital role in managing type 1 diabetes.¹

Bolus
A bolus is additional insulin given often around mealtimes to cover an expected rise in blood sugar.¹

Device Terms

General Terms

References
1. https://jdrf.org.au/living-with-t1d/t1dictionary/
2. http://danii.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Diabetes-Glossary-A-to-Z.pdf
3. https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/living-with-diabetes/managing-your-diabetes/ketoacidosis/
4. https://www.diabetesinschools.com.au/resources/glossary/
5. https://www.diabetesqualified.com.au/resources/diabetes-dictionary/
6. https://www.type1foundation.com.au/glossary-of-terms