Information for the public
Terms explained
Terms explained
Cardiovascular disease
A general term for disease of the heart and blood vessels. It is usually caused by a narrowing of the blood vessels that mean blood cannot flow to the heart, brain, feet or other parts of the body properly. Heart disease and stroke are common forms of severe cardiovascular disease.
Continuous glucose monitoring
This includes real-time continuous glucose monitoring (rtCGM) and intermittent-scanning continuous blood glucose monitor (isCGM, also called 'flash'). You will usually be offered isCGM. Both types of continuous glucose monitor work with a sensor that you wear on your skin, and a display monitor or smartphone that shows your blood glucose level. rtCGM devices automatically send regular readings to the monitor or smart phone. You need to scan isCGM devices yourself.
HbA1c test
A blood test that reflects the average blood glucose level over the previous 2 to 3 months. The result is usually given in mmol/mol. (It used to be given as a percentage.) In people without diabetes, it is usually below 42 mmol/mol (or 6%).
Hyperglycaemia
A higher than normal level of glucose in the blood. Symptoms include feeling thirsty and hungry, and increased urination. Over time, hyperglycaemia also increases the risk of eye, gum, nerve, kidney and cardiovascular disease.
Hypo (hypoglycaemia)
A lower than normal level of glucose in the blood – usually less than 3.5 mmol/litre. The symptoms of a hypo include feeling dizzy (or even losing consciousness), feeling tired, feeling hungry, shaking and sweating. It is important to recognise the warning signs of a hypo.
Metformin
A medicine (tablet) that lowers blood glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes through improving the action of insulin.
Nephropathy
Another name for kidney disease. Type 2 diabetes can cause the small blood vessels in the kidneys to be damaged so that they stop working properly. The earliest sign is having a protein called albumin in the urine.
Neuropathy
Damage or disease that affects the nerves. Type 2 diabetes can cause neuropathy as a result of damage to the small blood vessels that supply nerves. Because nerves affect all parts of the body, neuropathy can have a number of effects.
Off-label use
In the UK, medicines are licensed to show that they work well enough and are safe enough to be used for specific conditions and groups of people. Some medicines can also be helpful for conditions or people they do not have a licence for. This is called off‑label use. Off‑label use might also mean the medicine is taken at a different dose or in a different way to the licence, such as using a cream or taking a tablet. There is more information about licensing medicines on the NHS website.