Basal Insulin Rate
A continuous 24-hour delivery of insulin that matches your background need. When the basal rate is set correctly, your blood sugar should remain stable in the absence of eating.
Bolus Insulin
Meal Bolus: a dose of insulin, quickly delivered, to cover carbohydrates and other nutrients.
Correction Bolus: a dose of insulin, quickly delivered, to remove excess glucose from the bloodstream.
Catheter/Cannula
The plastic tube through which insulin is delivered at the insertion site.
Carbohydrate
One of 3 energy sources in foods (carbohydrates, fats, protein). Carbohydrates can be sugars or starches.
Dawn Phenomenon
A rise of blood glucose early in the morning caused by the normal release of growth hormones released at that time (which block insulin action).
Fat
One of 3 energy sources in foods (carbohydrates, fats, protein). Fats are oils, solid or liquid added to or already present in our foods. High fat meals can slow digestion and block insulin action, resulting in hyperglycemia several hours after meals.
Glucagon
A hormone made by the pancreas that stimulates the liver to produce and release glucose into the bloodstream. Injections of glucagon are considered emergency first aid to a person who is unable to treat with oral glucose during a severe hypoglycemic reaction.
Gram
A unit of measure. There are 4 calories per gram of carbohydrate or protein, 9 calories per gram of fat & 7 calories per gram of alcohol.
Hormone
A chemical produced in one location of the body that signals or acts on other tissues/organs. Insulin and Glucagon are hormones.
Hyperglycemia
Higher than normal level of blood glucose. Symptoms may include: frequent urination, thirst, weight loss, blurred vision, fatigue, hunger, or no symptoms at all. Prolonged, untreated hyperglycemia can result in diabetes complications.
Hypoglycemia
Lower than normal levels of blood glucose. Symptoms may include: feeling shaky, sweaty, dizzy, hungry, light headed, irritability or moodiness, numbness/tingling of mouth, confusion, weakness, headaches and/or heart palpitations.
Hypoglycemia Unawareness
Some individuals do not feel the symptoms of a low to alert them to take action. This is dangerous because mental function and reflexes are impaired during a low. It may occur when severe hypo reactions are numerous and/or if they aren’t treated promptly. Awareness may be restored through avoidance of lows if there is not permanent nerve damage.
Infusion Set (Inset)
The hub, catheter (cannula or needle) and insertion set. Includes the part of the infusion set inserted through the skin & retracted, leaving the cannula under the skin.
Insulin
A hormone secreted by the beta cells of the pancreas which is needed by many cells to use glucose for energy. It can be manufactured and given by injection or pump route to those who are unable to produce adequate insulin themselves.
Duration of Insulin Action
How long the insulin lasts for (3-5 hrs)
Lag time/Onset of Action: The time span from when it is given and when it begins to lower blood glucose (5-15 minutes)
Peak Action: When it exerts its strongest impact (45-60 minutes)
Insulin/CHO Ratios
The amount of carbohydrate 1 unit of insulin should cover.
A common formula to estimate yours is
500 ٪ Total Daily Insulin Requirement = 1 unit per X grams carb
Insulin Sensitivity/Correction
The expected number of blood glucose points you will be lowered in 4-5 hrs for 1 additional unit of insulin. A common formula to estimate yours is
The expected number of blood glucose points you will be lowered in 4-5 hrs for 1 additional unit of insulin. A common formula to estimate yours is
1800٪ Total Daily Insulin Requirement = X mg/dl drop per 1 unit
Insulin on Board
The amount of insulin still remaining which will effect your blood glucose since your last bolus. Typically a bolus of insulin lasts over 4-5 hours, most used in the first 2 hours.
Ketoacidosis (DKA)
Caused by insufficient insulin in the body which will signal the break down fat in large quantities, producing an acidic by-product known as a ketone, reducing the pH of the blood. This can be a life threatening condition.
Pattern Management
Learning how to recognize and adjust for trends in blood glucose.
Rebound Hyperglycemia
High blood glucose caused by hormones released following a low blood glucose reaction. These hormones (glucagon, epinephrine, growth hormone and cortisol) act on your liver to release stored glucose and cause insulin resistance.
Target
Personal blood sugar correction targets. You may have different targets for daytime, before/during exercise & bedtime.
Reference
Palo Alto Medical Foundation: Pre Pump Education Packet