Common terms used in diabetes. The terms below are not the only terms that are used, but are the most commonly used ones. If you have any term / condition that you would like more information on please click here to e-mail us and we will respond within 2 working days: diabetes@lifesense.co.za
A1c: (Commonly known as HbA1c): This is a measure of the level of glucose circulating in your blood over the past 2-4 months. Haemoglobin is the protein in the red blood cells that carries oxygen to the cells. Haemoglobin and glucose “join” (glycate) together. The HbA1c test represents the amount of glucose that “sticks” to the red blood cells, and because red blood cells last up to 120 days, the test gives you an average of the level of glucose in your blood over this time (2-4 months).
The value given is represented at a % i.e. the % of red blood cells that are stuck together. The higher the %, the higher the amount of circulating glucose. HbA1c levels should ideally be <7% to prevent diabetes related complications.
Acanthosis nigricans: a thickening or darkening of the skin in patches in the skin folds of the armpits, neck or groin. The colour ranges from tan to a dark brown, and is usually a sign of insulin resistance.
Artificial sweeteners: These are sweeteners that are not found naturally – they are produced commercially and they are kilojoule/calorie-free. The following artificial sweeteners are generally regarded as being safe to use:
Saccharin (e.g. Sweetex, Hermesetas) can be used in hot and cold foods/drinks. Avoid if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Aspartame (e.g. Pick n’ Pay, Canderel, Equal, EquiSweet) can be used in cold and warm foods but may lose some sweetness at high temperatures.
Acesulfame K (e.g. Canderel) can be used in both cold and hot foods including in baking and cooking.
Sucralose (e.g. Splenda) can be used in hot and cold foods, including baking and cooking. Often used in processed foods.
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration – USA), has published an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of sweeteners: The amount is calculated per kg bodyweight e.g. 5mg/kg/day if you weigh 80 kg = 40mg /day. To ensure that you are not exceeding your daily limit become a LABEL READER.
Saccharin: 5mg / kg / day
Aspartame: 50mg / kg / day
Acesulfame-K: 15mg / kg/ day
Sucralose: 5mg / kg / day.
Auto-immune: this is a disorder of the body’s immune system that mistakes certain cells in the body as being “foreign” to the body, and thus the immune system destroys these cells. Type 1 diabetes is an auto-immune condition where the body has destroyed the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas, thereby making the person with Type 1 diabetes dependant on insulin injections.