A Beginner’s Guide to the Language of Type 1 Diabetes
Why Learning the Language of T1D Matters
When someone in your life is diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), you quickly realize something: There’s a whole new language to learn.
Between acronyms, slang, and medical terms, it can be overwhelming at first.
But the more you understand, the more confident and connected you’ll feel.
We believe that knowledge builds stronger teams, and this list of 10 key T1D terms is a great place to start.
1. MDI (Multiple Daily Injections)
A method of insulin therapy where a person takes several insulin shots a day; typically a mix of basal (background) and bolus (mealtime) insulin.
In the beginning, this is the most common way to manage T1D. Once people are comfortable with MDI, many people choose to move to an Insulin Pump.
2. CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitor)
A CGM is a wearable device that continuously tracks blood sugar levels.
It sends real-time updates to a smartphone or receiver, making it easier to catch highs or lows and see trends throughout the day.
It’s a game-changer for many families.
3. S.W.A.G. (Scientific Wild Ass Guess)
A bit of T1D humor that describes estimating how many carbs are in a meal (especially homemade or unlabelled foods).
While it’s not a perfect science, sometimes a S.W.A.G. is all you’ve got, and experience makes it better over time.
4. BG (Blood Glucose)
Short for blood sugar, it’s the amount of glucose in the bloodstream.
It’s usually measured in mg/dL, and most people with T1D check their BG multiple times a day.
5. Basal Insulin
The background insulin that keeps blood sugar steady throughout the day and night even when you’re not eating.
It mimics the slow, steady insulin a healthy pancreas would release 24/7.
6. Bolus Insulin
A quick-acting insulin taken to cover meals or correct high BG levels.
Figuring out the right bolus often involves counting carbs or using a trusty S.W.A.G.
7. Ketones
When the body doesn’t have enough insulin, it burns fat for energy which creates ketones.
Too many ketones can be dangerous and lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
That’s why testing for ketones during illness or high blood sugar is so important.
8. Unicorn
A fun slang term for when your BG reads exactly 100! It’s the “perfect” number on many meters.
It’s rare, magical, and worth celebrating!
9. Dawn Phenomenon
A natural blood sugar rise that happens in the early morning, often due to hormone shifts.
People with T1D may need to adjust basal insulin or set alarms to manage it.
10. Insulin-to-Carb Ratio
This ratio helps determine how much insulin is needed per gram of carbohydrate.
For example, a 1:10 ratio means one unit of insulin covers 10 grams of carbs.
Each person’s ratio can vary and is adjusted over time based on activity, age, and other health factors.
Understanding this ratio is key to keeping blood sugar in range after meals.
Final Thoughts
Learning these 10 T1D terms is just the beginning, but it makes a big difference.
When you understand the language, you can:
- Better support your loved one
- Talk confidently with doctors or teachers
- Be part of the T1D team, and the solution
Whether you’re a parent, friend, or someone newly diagnosed, you’re not alone.
We’re here to help every step of the way.
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