Basal

Basal insulin is a 24-hour, slow releasing insulin which mimics the body’s production of insulin without food. Basal insulin should keep a diabetics blood sugar levels steady whilst fasting.

Bolus

An extra amount of insulin taken which mimics the body’s production of insulin at meal times, or to correct an unexpected rise in blood sugar levels.

Hyper (Hyperglycemia)

High Blood Sugar – it tends to be gradual, and can be caused by too much food, too little insulin, illness or stress.

Symptoms include: Shaking, sweating, anxiety, dizziness, hunger, a quickened heartbeat, impaired vision, weakness, fatigue, headache and irratability.

Blood sugar tends to be marked at > 11.1mmol/L (>200mg/dl).

Hypo (Hypoglycemia)

Low Blood Sugar – tends to be a fast onset, and can be caused by too little food, too much insulin, or extra exercise.

Symptoms include: extreme thirst, frequent urination, dry skin, hunger, blurred vision, drowsiness and nausea. 

Blood sugar tends to be marked at >3.9mmol/L (70mg/dl)

Postprandial

After a meal.

BG (or BS)

Blood Glucose (or Blood Sugar). The main sugar that the body makes from the food we eat.