The Diabetes Alphabet Poster

A closer look at each letter

• A is for Alstrom Syndrome: an ultra-rare recessively inherited genetic condition, caused by a mutation of the ALMS1 gene.
• B is for Banting: Frederick Banting, the co-discoverer of insulin. 
• C is for Carb Counting: Counting insulin to carb ratios- which look different on each person with diabetes is a huge part of type 1 diabetes. 
• D is for Diabadass: People with diabetes have to make 180 decisions a day, on top of the other layers of their life from work and personal matters! This makes them a Dia-badass. 
• E is for Endocrinologist: A doctor who treats people who have endocrine gland problems such as diabetes.
• F is for Food: Food… can’t live without it! 
• G is for Glucagon: A hormone produced by the alpha cells in the pancreas. 
• H is for HbA1c: Your average blood glucose (sugar) levels for the last two to three months. Note: you are more than your HbA1c number– it does not define you.
• I is for Insulin: Beta cells of the pancreas make insulin when the body cannot make enough insulin.
• J is for Jelly Babies: A popular hypo-treat for hyperglycaemia.
• K is for Ketones: Chemical produced when there is a shortage of insulin. High levels of ketones can lead to diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and coma.
• L is for Lancet: Spring-loaded device used to prick the skin with a small needle to get a drop of blood for blood glucose monitoring.
• M is for Mody: Caused by a mutation to a single gene. So rare that it is often confused with type one diabetes, or type two diabetes.
• N is for NIDDN: Non insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Almost there…

• O is for Orange Juice: One of many options as a hypo-treat for hyperglycemia.
• P is for Pancreas: An organ that makes insulin and enzymes for digestion. You can find the pancreas behind the lower part of the stomach and is about the size of a hand.
• Q is for Quin!
• R is for Rage Bolus: Large bolus/series of mild boluses administered to correct high blood sugar.
• S is for Self Care: Looking after yourself is important, and it comes in different shapes and forms depending on what you enjoy. Examples include bubble baths, saying no, and making time for you time.
• T is for Type (1, 2, 3c): Type 1 is when your body lacks insulin, Type 2- where your body can produce insulin (but not enough) and Type 3c is when you have no pancreas.
• U is for Unsolicited advice: Advice that was not asked for and unwanted.
• V is for Vial: A container you store insulin in.
• W is for Wolfram Syndrome: Rare genetic disorder that affects around 1 in 770,000 of the total UK population, or 1 in 500,000 children.
• X is for Xylitol: Alternative for sweeteners.
• Y is for Yeast: Thrush is common in people with diabetes as high sugar levels lead to better conditions for yeast to grow.
• Z is for Zzzz Diabetes related insomnia.

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