Glossary
Plain-language definitions of the continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and diabetes terms used throughout the Platform. These explanations are educational and are not medical advice.
- Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM)
- A method of tracking glucose levels continuously over time, producing a trace of many readings rather than single finger-stick measurements. This Platform simulates such data for education.
- Glucose
- The sugar carried in the blood that the body uses for energy. CGM values on this Platform are reported in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
- mg/dL
- Milligrams per deciliter — the unit used here for glucose concentration. (Some countries use mmol/L instead; 18 mg/dL ≈ 1 mmol/L.)
- Target range
- The glucose band a clinician sets as the goal for a patient, often about 70–180 mg/dL. Readings inside it are shown in green on the chart.
- Time in Range (TIR)
- The percentage of readings that fall within the target range. Higher TIR is generally better; a common goal is more than 70%.
- Time Below Range (TBR)
- The percentage of readings below the target low (for example, under 70 mg/dL) — time spent low.
- Time Above Range (TAR)
- The percentage of readings above the target high (for example, over 180 mg/dL) — time spent high.
- Hypoglycemia
- Low blood glucose, generally below the target low. Shown in red on the chart.
- Hyperglycemia
- High blood glucose, generally above the target high. Shown in amber on the chart.
- Glucose Management Indicator (GMI)
- An estimate of long-term average glucose control, expressed like an HbA1c percentage, calculated from the mean of the CGM readings.
- HbA1c
- A blood test reflecting average glucose over roughly the past three months. GMI is a CGM-derived estimate of this value.
- Coefficient of Variation (CV)
- A measure of glucose variability — how much readings swing around the average. Lower values indicate steadier glucose.
- Basal glucose
- The baseline (fasting) glucose level around which daily values rise and fall. The simulator lets you set this baseline.
- Dawn phenomenon
- A natural early-morning rise in glucose (roughly 4–8 AM) that the simulator models.
- Ambulatory Glucose Profile (AGP)
- A standardized report summarizing CGM data — including metrics such as TIR, TBR, TAR, GMI, and variability — used to interpret glucose patterns.
- Diabetes — Type 1
- A condition in which the body produces little or no insulin, requiring insulin therapy. The simulator can model Type 1 patterns.
- Diabetes — Type 2
- A condition in which the body does not use insulin effectively. The simulator can model Type 2 patterns.
- Gestational diabetes
- Diabetes that develops during pregnancy and usually resolves after birth.
- Pre-diabetes
- Glucose levels higher than normal but not yet in the diabetes range — an early-warning stage.
- Medical Record Number (MRN)
- A hospital’s identifier for a patient record. On this educational Platform, do not enter real, identifiable patient information.
- Reading
- A single glucose value at a point in time — one data point on the chart.
These definitions are simplified for learning and are not a substitute for professional medical guidance. This Platform is for educational use only.