GLOSSARY

Blood sugar – the amount of glucose circulating through the bloodstream. Excess glucose that remains in the bloodstream (rather than being absorbed by the cells that need it) is often due to high sugar intake or insulin resistance.

Full fasting – going without food completely or eating very little food for prolonged periods, often five to ten days.

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) – intense cardio workouts alternating short bursts of intense physical activity with longer periods of moderate exercise. Workouts can be as short as seven minutes but typically last about twenty minutes.

Insulin – a hormone produced by the body that is responsible for transporting glucose through the phospholipid layer of the cells to be used as energy.

Insulin resistance – the lack of response to insulin by the body’s cells. Often caused by excess abdominal and visceral fat and poor eating habits. Considered one of the markers of metabolic syndrome.

Intermittent fasting – fasting on alternate days, for certain hours during the day, or for very short periods.

Metabolic syndrome – a group of symptoms and conditions—including excess abdominal or visceral fat, insulin resistance, and hypertension—considered to be a precursor to type 2 diabetes.

Resistance training – also known as strength training. Exercise using body weight, free weights such as dumbbells, or weight machines to build lean muscle. Also improves bone density and has been shown to have a significant impact on heart health, weight loss, and longevity.

Type 2 diabetes – form of diabetes developed due to poor diet, obesity, and lack of exercise. Usually treated by diet, exercise, and possibly insulin injections.