Glossary
A1C (Also called HbA1C test or hemoglobin A1C)
A test that shows the average amount of sugar in the blood for the past 2 to 3 months.
This test helps your doctor to see if your blood sugar is where it needs to be.
Beta cells
Cells in the pancreas that make insulin.
Blood glucose
The main sugar that the body makes from food. Without insulin, cells can’t use blood
glucose for energy.
Body mass index (BMI)
Your body’s weight in proportion to your height. A high BMI can sometimes be a risk
factor for diabetes.
Carbohydrates
A type of food that your body needs for energy. There are two different kinds of
carbohydrates: simple (meaning sugar, bread, or fruit) and complex (vegetables and
starches).
Certified Diabetes Educator (CDE)
CDEs are qualified social workers or healthcare professionals who can help you learn
how to manage your diabetes.
Diabetes mellitus
The medical name for diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a disorder in which the pancreas cannot produce enough insulin and/or use the insulin produced to meet the body's needs for getting energy from glucose.
Glucose
A sugar in your blood that can be broken down to create energy for your body.
High blood glucose
When there is too much glucose in the blood. This condition can be treated with
insulin.
Hyperglycemia
The medical term for high blood sugar.
Hypoglycemia
The medical term for low blood sugar.
Insulin
A hormone that the pancreas makes to help cells break down blood glucose and use
it for energy.
Low blood glucose
When there is too little glucose in the blood. This condition can happen when people
with diabetes accidentally take too much insulin, exercise a lot, or don’t eat enough.
Meal plan
A food guide that can help people with diabetes get the right balance of carbohydrates,
proteins, and nutrients into their diet.
Pancreas
The pancreas is a gland near your stomach that makes insulin and enzymes that help
you digest food.
Self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG)
A way for people with diabetes to check how much glucose (sugar) is in their blood.
Your physician may recommend that you check your blood glucose regularly to
be sure your blood glucose levels are where they need to be.
Type 1 diabetes
A condition where your pancreas can no longer produce insulin. People who have type
1 diabetes must take daily injections of long-acting and short-acting insulin.
Type 2 diabetes
A condition where your pancreas gets overworked, so it produces less insulin, or
when your body becomes less sensitive to the insulin your pancreas is producing.
There are several different ways to treat type 2 diabetes: diet, exercise, and weight
loss at first, then diabetes pills or insulin injections as the condition progresses.
Important Safety Information for Lantus®
Do not take Lantus® if you are allergic to insulin or any of the inactive ingredients
in Lantus®.
You must test your blood sugar levels while using insulin, such as Lantus®.
Do not make any changes to your dose or type of insulin without talking to your
healthcare provider. Any change of insulin should be made cautiously and only under
medical supervision.
Do NOT dilute or mix Lantus® with any other insulin or solution.
It will not work as intended and you may lose blood sugar control, which could be
serious. Lantus® must only be used if the solution is clear and colorless with
no particles visible. Do not share needles, insulin pens or syringes with others.
The most common side effect of insulin, including Lantus®, is low blood
sugar (hypoglycemia), which may be serious. Some people may experience
symptoms such as shaking, sweating, fast heartbeat, and blurred vision. Severe hypoglycemia
may be serious and life threatening. It may cause harm to your heart or brain. Other
possible side effects may include injection site reactions, including changes in
fat tissue at the injection site, and allergic reactions, including itching and
rash. In rare cases, some allergic reactions may be life threatening.
Tell your doctor about other medicines and supplements you are taking because they
can change the way insulin works. Before starting Lantus®, tell your doctor
about all your medical conditions including if you have liver or kidney problems,
are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding or planning to
breast-feed.
Lantus® SoloSTAR® is a disposable prefilled insulin pen. Please talk to your healthcare
provider about proper injection technique and follow instructions in the Instruction
Leaflet that accompanies the pen.
Click here for full prescribing information for Lantus®.
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