Complications - is the term used to describe damage to the body from diabetes. Particular parts of the body are susceptible to damage when uncontrolled high glucose levels over a period of many months to years can adversely affect their blood supply. Damage to large blood vessels from diabetes can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke or lower limb disease. Damage to smaller blood vessels from diabetes can increase the risk of kidney disease, eye disease and also cause nerve damage.

DKA - Diabetic Ketoacidosis (more information on DKA).

HbA1c - Glycosylated Haemoglobin (a measure of how glucose blood has been exposed to in the previous 2-3 months, the number expressed in mmol/mol). HbA1c provides a measure of blood glucose concentrations over a period of 8-12 weeks. High concentrations of glucose in the bloodstream attach to cells and proteins. Due to the long life span of red blood cells which carry HbA1c, measuring glucose (glycated) haemoglobin is a good way to determine blood glucose over time. (more information on HbA1c)

mmol/l - millimoles per litre.