Weight Loss Glossary G

Glucose Tolerance Test

A test used to diagnose diabetes. A set amount of glucose is administered by mouth after a period of fasting. Blood samples are taken half an hour, one hour, two hours and three hours after administration. Urine samples are also collected. The data collected is then plotted on a graph, which in cases of diabetes, will have a characteristic shape.

Source:

Youngson, R. (2001) The Royal Society of Medicine Health Encyclopedia Bloomsbury Publishing, P. 331

Glycogen

Glycogen is a type of carbohydrate which is made from glucose and is stored in animal tissue. It is primarily stored in the liver and in muscle tissue. In a well nourished person, approximately 375 to 475 g of carbohydrate are stored in the body.

Source:

McArdle, Katch, Katch (1986) Exercise Physiology: Energy, Nutrition, and Human Performance, Lea and Febiger Philadelphia. P. 6

Glucomannan

Glucomannan is made from a Japanese root plant called Amorphophallus Konjac which comes from the same family as the yam. The supplement is known as a source of high dietary fiber and has no calories. It is thought to have a laxative effect and aids bowel health through providing pure soluble fiber. When mixed with water glucomannan swells and forms a gel.

Source:

PDRHealth Profile on Glucomannan

Diet & Fitness Tips

Did you learn something from these definitions ? If you did, it might be beneficial for you to sign up to the free newsletter, Diet & Fitness Tips. You'll receive free diet and exercise articles and I'll let you know when there is a new addition to the website. Sign up today.