Health glossary

A

Anaemia

A lower than expected level of haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. It can cause tiredness and breathlessness and has several possible causes, so it needs a doctor's assessment.

B

Blood pressure

The force of blood against artery walls, written as two numbers such as 120/80 mmHg. The first is systolic and the second is diastolic.

BMI (body mass index)

Weight in kilograms divided by height in metres squared. It is a rough screening measure and does not show where fat is stored. Cut-offs differ slightly between WHO Asia-Pacific and Indonesian Ministry of Health classifications.

BPOM

Badan Pengawas Obat dan Makanan, the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority, which registers medicines, foods and health products sold in Indonesia.

C

Cholesterol

A waxy substance made by the liver and found in some foods. It is needed by the body, but high LDL cholesterol in the blood is associated with fatty deposits in the arteries.

D

Diabetes (type 2)

A long-term condition in which the body does not use insulin effectively and blood glucose stays high. It is diagnosed by laboratory tests and managed by a doctor.

Diastolic

The lower blood pressure number, measured when the heart relaxes between beats.

F

Fasting glucose

A blood sugar measurement taken after at least eight hours without food, used to screen for prediabetes and diabetes.

Fibre

The part of plant foods that the body does not digest. It supports digestion, slows sugar absorption and contributes to fullness.

G

G4G1L5

Indonesian public health shorthand for daily limits: sugar 4 tablespoons, salt 1 teaspoon and fat 5 tablespoons.

Glucose

The simple sugar that circulates in the blood and acts as the body's main fuel.

H

HbA1c

A blood test showing average blood glucose over about three months, expressed as a percentage. It does not require fasting.

HDL cholesterol

Often called “good” cholesterol, because it helps carry cholesterol away from the arteries. Higher levels are generally more favourable.

Hypertension

The medical term for persistently high blood pressure.

I

Insulin resistance

A state in which cells respond poorly to insulin, so the body needs more of it to move glucose out of the blood. It often precedes type 2 diabetes.

Isi Piringku

The Ministry of Health's guide to a balanced plate, showing proportions of staples, vegetables, protein dishes and fruit.

J

JKN

Jaminan Kesehatan Nasional, Indonesia's national health insurance scheme administered by BPJS Kesehatan.

L

LDL cholesterol

Often called “bad” cholesterol, because high levels contribute to fatty build-up in artery walls. Targets depend on a person's overall cardiovascular risk.

Lipid profile

A blood test that reports total cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglycerides.

M

Metabolic syndrome

A cluster of findings, including a large waist, raised blood pressure, high blood glucose and abnormal blood fats, that together raise the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

P

Posbindu PTM

Neighbourhood health posts, run with community support, that screen for risk factors of non-communicable diseases such as blood pressure, blood glucose and waist size.

Prediabetes

A stage in which blood glucose is higher than normal but below the diabetes threshold. Lifestyle change at this stage is associated with a lower chance of progressing.

PSA

Prostate-specific antigen, a protein measured in blood. It can be raised for several reasons, so testing is a shared decision between a man and his doctor.

Puskesmas

Community health centres that provide first-level care across Indonesia.

S

Sleep apnoea

A condition in which breathing repeatedly pauses during sleep, often with loud snoring and daytime sleepiness. Diagnosis is by a sleep study.

Systolic

The upper blood pressure number, measured when the heart contracts.

T

Testosterone

The main male sex hormone, involved in muscle, bone, red blood cell production and sex drive. Levels decline gradually with age in most men.

Triglycerides

A type of fat in the blood that rises with sugar, refined carbohydrates, alcohol and excess weight.

W

Waist circumference

The distance around the waist at the level of the navel. A measurement of 90 cm or more in Asian men is commonly used as a marker of increased metabolic risk.