User's Manual

Glossary
169
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c)
A test that measures a person’s average blood glucose level over
the past 2 to 3 months. Also called glycosylated hemoglobin, the
test shows the amount of glucose that sticks to the red blood cell,
which is proportional to the amount of glucose in the blood.
Hyperglycemia (high blood glucose)
A higher-than-normal level of glucose in the blood; generally
180mg/dL or higher.
Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose)
A lower-than-normal level of glucose in the blood; generally
70mg/dL or lower.
Hypoglycemia unawareness
A condition in which a person does not feel or recognize the
symptoms of hypoglycemia.
Infusing
Introducing a liquid substance under the skin into the body.
Infusion site
Place on the body where an infusion set or Pod is placed and
cannula is inserted.
Insulin
A hormone that helps the body use glucose for energy. The beta
cells of a healthy pancreas make insulin.
Insulin on board (active insulin)
The amount of insulin that is still “active” in the body from a previ-
ous bolus dose. In the OmniPod System, insulin on board (IOB) is
considered in two parts: the IOB from a previous correction bolus
and the IOB from a previous meal bolus.
The amount of time insulin remains “on board” or “active”
depends on each individual’s duration of insulin action. Talk with
your healthcare provider to determine your duration of insulin
action.
The OmniPod System continually calculates the IOB to help pre-
vent “stacking” of correction bolus doses, which is a major cause
of hypoglycemia.
Insulin reaction (see hypoglycemia)
Insulin-to-carbohydrate ratio
Number of grams of carbohydrate covered by one unit of insulin.
For example, if your insulin-to-carbohydrate ratio is 1:15, then
you need to deliver one unit of insulin to cover every fifteen
grams of carbohydrate you eat.
In vitro
Literally, “in glass.” Refers to a biological function taking place in a
laboratory dish rather than in a living organism.