Metabolism, Obesity, Diabetes & Cardiovascular Disease

Flashcards covering key concepts in metabolism, obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and their related terminology.

Metabolism

The chemical processes in the body that convert food into energy.

Insulin

A hormone that increases in the fed state to help store glucose, fat, and protein.

Glucagon

A hormone that increases in the fasting state to help release stored energy.

Glycogenesis

The process of converting glucose into glycogen for storage.

Lipogenesis

The process of converting excess glucose into fat for storage.

Glycogenolysis

The breakdown of glycogen into glucose when energy is needed.

Gluconeogenesis

The creation of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources during fasting.

BMI (Body Mass Index)

A measure used to define obesity based on height and weight.

Energy Balance

The relationship between energy intake (calories in) and energy expenditure (calories out).

Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR)

The energy expended by the body at rest to maintain basic physiological functions.

NEAT (Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis)

Energy expended for everything we do that is not sleeping, eating, or sports-like exercise.

Hunger Hormones

Hormones that regulate short-term hunger, such as ghrelin, peptide YY, and cholecystokinin (CCK).

Leptin

A hormone released by fat cells that signals the brain to indicate enough energy is stored.

Atherosclerosis

The buildup of plaque in the arteries that can lead to cardiovascular disease.

LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein)

Known as 'bad cholesterol', it can contribute to the buildup of plaque in arteries.

HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein)

Known as 'good cholesterol', it helps remove cholesterol from the bloodstream.

Trans Fats

Artificial fats that increase LDL cholesterol and decrease HDL cholesterol.

Hypertension

A condition characterized by abnormally high blood pressure.

DASH Diet

Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension designed to lower blood pressure through healthy eating.

Type 1 Diabetes

A type of diabetes where the body does not produce insulin.

Type 2 Diabetes

A type of diabetes marked by insulin resistance where the body cannot use insulin effectively.

Gestational Diabetes

A form of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy.

Fasting Blood Glucose

A blood glucose level of 126 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes.

Polyuria

Frequent urination, often a symptom of diabetes due to high blood glucose levels.

Carbohydrate Counting

Tracking the amount of carbohydrates consumed to manage blood glucose levels.