Glossary

• Aerobic exercise

  Type of physical exercise that increases the work of the heart and lungs. Examples are running, jogging, swimming, and dancing.

• Anxious

  Worried or nervous.

• Blood glucose

  Main sugar found in the blood and the body's main source of energy. Also called blood sugar.

• Carbohydrate

  One of three macronutrients found in food. Foods that provide carbohydrate are starches, vegetables, fruits, dairy products and sugars. One gram of carbohydrate provides four calories.

• Cell Receptor

  A structure or site on the surface or interior of a cell that binds with substances such as hormones, antigens, drugs, or neurotransmitters to make a change in the cell.

• Diabetes

  Condition in which the body either can't produce insulin or can't effectively use the insulin it produces, resulting in high blood glucose levels.

• Glucose

  This is the main source of energy for the body.

• Hormone

  Chemical produced by the body that regulates certain body functions.

• Hyperglycemia

  Blood glucose above the normal range.

• Insulin

  A hormone released by the pancreas in response to increased levels of glucose in the blood.

• Overweight

  Overweight is defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) between 25 and 29.9.  To find your BMI use the following chart. To use the chart, find the appropriate height in the left-hand column.   Move across to a given weight. The number at the top of the column is the BMI at that height and weight.

  Click here to learn more about Body Mass Index.

• Pancreas

  A gland that secretes a digestive fluid into the intestine and also secretes the hormone insulin.

• Panic Attack

  Usually short, intense periods of anxiety or fear.

• Polydipsia

  Excessive thirst.

• Polyphagia

  Excessive hunger.

• Polyuria

  Excessive urination.