Blood Glucose: The concentration of glucose (sugar) in
the blood. In Canada, blood glucose is measured in mmol of
glucose per litre of blood (mmol/L). The normal range before
meals is 4.0 - 6.0 mmol/L, while the normal range two hours
after a meal is 5.0 - 8.0 mmol/L.
Blood Pressure: The pressure of blood flow on artery walls.
Blood pressure is expressed using two numbers: the first
number is systolic pressure, the pressure caused by the heart
pushing blood out into the arteries, and the second number
is diastolic pressure, the pressure when the heart is relaxed
and refilling with blood. High blood pressure (hypertension)
is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, diabetic
nephropathy and diabetic retinopathy. In order to reduce the
risk of these complications, people with diabetes should aim
for a blood pressure less than 130/80 mm Hg.
Body Mass Index (BMI): The unit of measurement to
describe weight in relation to height for people twenty to
sixty-five years of age. It is calculated by taking a person’s
weight (in kilograms) and dividing by their height squared
(kg/m2). It is used to classify people as underweight, normal
weight, overweight, or obese.
Calorie: A measurement of the energy provided by food. The
sources of calories in a diet are carbohydrate, protein, alcohol
and fat.
Carbohydrate Counting: A method of meal planning for
people with diabetes based on counting the number of grams
of carbohydrate in food.
Carbohydrate: One of the main sources of calories. Sources
of carbohydrates include sugars naturally found in honey,
fruits, vegetables and milk; refined sugars such as table
sugar and sugars added to candies, jams and soft drinks; and
starches such as grains, rice, potatoes, corn and legumes. All
forms of carbohydrates are broken down into glucose
during digestion.
Cardiologist: A medical doctor who specializes in the study,
care and treatment of the heart.
Cardiovascular Disease: The general term for any disease
of the cardiovascular system. People with diabetes are at high
risk of cardiovascular disease.
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