Glossary

H

Hemoglobin A1C (or HbA1c)

Hemoglobin A1C is a blood test that measures your blood glucose control over three months. Checking your own blood glucose with a glucometer tells you what your blood sugar level is on any given day. However, the A1C test gives you a picture of your average blood glucose control for the past three months. It tells you more about how well you are controlling your diabetes over time. Most people with diabetes should have an A1C test every three months. Your Hemoglobin A1C should be less than or equal to 7%.

Hiatal hernia

A condition where part of the stomach pushes up through the diaphragm. This causes heartburn in some people.

High quality protein

Also known as ‘complete proteins’. These proteins supply all of the essential amino acids the body needs. Essential amino acids are those that the body cannot produce by itself so it needs to get them from food.

High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS)

A liquid sweetener made from cornstarch. It is also called “glucose-fructose”. HCFS is an added sugar found in many processed foods, especially soft drinks.

Home canning

A method of preserving food for long storage that uses heat and acid to prevent food from spoiling.

Hormone replacement therapy

A treatment option for women going through menopause. It consists of pills that provide hormones that the body produces less of during menopause (estrogen and progesterone).

Hypertension/High blood pressure

When blood moves through your arteries at a higher pressure than normal. It is dangerous because it makes the heart work harder than it usually does. This can damage the arteries and lead to heart disease, kidney problems and stroke. It is defined as a blood pressure reading of 140/90.