The world of medicine is full of all kinds of jargon and you may find family or friends using completely different terms for very similar things. This article brings together “layman’s” terms and medical jargon into one neat package, with a focus on general diabetes care.

Annual review: A yearly check-up to look for early signs of any diabetes related complications. This usually involves a eight-point check that will include blood tests (HbA1c, cholesterol and kidney function), a blood pressure check, weight, foot check, urine albumin test, smoking status. You should also have a yearly eye screening check to look for any signs of bleeding at the back of the eye (retina).

Adult-onset diabetes: Describes a type of diabetes defined by both insulin resistance and low insulin secretion. Other descriptions: type 2 diabetes, T2D, non-insulin-dependent diabetes (although some people with type 2 diabetes require insulin), insulin-resistant diabetes.

Glucose: The main type of sugar carried by your bloodstream. It can be measured by taking blood from a vein and sending it to the laboratory or using a finger-prick test and a glucometer.  Similar terms: sugar level, blood sugar, blood level, glucose level, blood glucose level. In the UK blood glucose is measured in mmol/L, in other parts of the world like the US it is measured in mg/dL.

Diabetes progression: Describes the body’s declining ability to make enough insulin for its needs.  Other descriptions: beta-cell decline, natural progression of diabetes. Often the term “diabetes progression” is used interchangeably with “diabetes complications”.  This is inaccurate because the decline of insulin production happens regardless of the number of complications one may, or may not, develop.

Endocrinologist: A doctor who specialises in the treatment of hormone disorders, like diabetes.  Other descriptions: diabetes specialist, “diabetes doctor”, diabetologist.

Euglycemia: Refers to blood sugar levels that are in a healthy range. Other descriptions: normal blood sugars, safe blood sugars, healthy glucose levels, target range.

Hyperglycemia: Refers to blood sugar levels that are above a healthy range. Other descriptions:  high blood sugars, high glucose levels, unsafe blood sugars, unhealthy glucose levels, elevated glucose.

Hypertension: Refers to blood pressure levels that are above a healthy range. Other descriptions:  high blood pressure, high pressure.

Hyperlipidemia: Refers to blood fat levels that are above a healthy range (usually cholesterol). Similar terms: high cholesterol, elevated lipids.

Hypoglycemia: Refers to blood sugar levels that are below a healthy range. Other descriptions: low blood sugars, “low”, “hypos”.

Insulin resistance: A term used to describe how the body struggles to use insulin well. Gaining weight and having more fat stores increases insulin resistance.

Monofilament test: An exam that's done routinely to check the sensation (feeling) in one’s toes and feet, usually done in combination with a foot exam. Other descriptions: “the tickle test”, “sensation test”, “sensation check”, annual foot check, “checking my feet.”

Self-management education: Term used to describe diabetes self-management training (DSMT). Other descriptions: DSMT, DSME, diabetes education, diabetes care and education, diabetes program, diabetes review, diabetes support plan.

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Reviewed by Dr. Kingshuk Pal