Glossary
A1C
A measure of the average blood glucose level over the past two to three months.
Ozaam baatiinadan ziizibaakwad gaa-ayaag miijiming (Ojibwe)
Kaashiiwaakin miichiman (Oji-Cree)
Mîyawê shôkâw (Cree)
Blood Glucose (Sugar)
The amount of glucose (sugar) present in the blood of a human or animal. The body naturally tightly regulates blood glucose levels. With some exceptions, glucose is the primary source of energy for the body’s cells.
Blood Pressure
Blood pressure (BP) is the pressure exerted by circulating blood upon the walls of blood vessels and is one of the principal vital signs. While BP can change from minute to minute with changes in posture, exercise, stress or sleep, it should normally be less than 120/80 mm Hg (less than 120 systolic AND less than 80 diastolic) for an adult age 20 or over.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
An effective method of determining a healthy body weight by calculating weight (kg)/height (m2)
Zhiiwaapine / ziizibaakodwaapine (Ojibwe)
Kaa-shookaawaahpinech (Oji-Cree)
Shôkâwâspinêw (Cree)
Diabetes
A disease in which too little or no insulin is produced or insulin is produced but cannot be used normally resulting in high levels of sugar in the blood.
Gestational Diabetes
Diabetes that develops during pregnancy as a result of hormonal changes and the growth of the fetus, increases a pregnant woman’s need for insulin, a need the body is unable to produce.
Glucometer
A device that allows one to keep track of their blood glucose levels.
Glycemic Index
A ranking of foods based on their glycemic response – the speed at which food increases the blood glucose level in the body. The Glycemic Index uses a slice of white bread as a reference point, giving a glycemic value of 100.
Gaa-ishpaabikiseg miskwi ozaam e-gizhiijiwang (Ojibwe)
Ishpisenini omisko (Oji-Cree)
Ishpakêpaniniw omihko (Cree)
High Blood Pressure
Blood pressure persistently at or above 140/90 mm Hg in adults.
Hyperglycemia
High blood glucose level. In diabetes, it’s any fasting blood glucose level over 7 mmol/L.