A type of Type 1 diabetes in which the blood-glucose level fluctuates widely from high to low. Brittle diabetes can be caused by the complete loss of ability to produce any insulin, by too high an insulin dose, or by other factors. It can often be improved through a good treatment program. Also called unstable diabetes.

A condition characterized by extreme fluctuations in blood sugar levels within a short period of time; occurs in a small percentage of type 1 patients, especially after the first year; also called labile or unstable diabetes.

Labile diabetes, Unstable diabetes An inappropriate term used when a person's blood glucose level often swings very quickly from high to low and from low to high.