1. What is the main characteristic of diabetes?
A
High blood sugar levels
Diabetes is characterized by high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia). This occurs when the body cannot properly use or produce insulin, which is the hormone that regulates blood glucose. Chronic high blood sugar can lead to serious damage to many body systems, especially nerves and blood vessels.
2. Which of the following is NOT a type of diabetes?
“Nutritional diabetes” is not a recognized medical type of diabetes. The main types are Type 1 (autoimmune condition where the pancreas produces little or no insulin), Type 2 (the body becomes resistant to insulin or doesn’t produce enough), and Gestational diabetes (occurs during pregnancy). There are also other less common types such as MODY (Maturity Onset Diabetes of the Young) and LADA (Latent Autoimmune Diabetes in Adults).
3. What hormone is deficient or ineffective in people with diabetes?
Insulin is the hormone that is deficient or ineffective in people with diabetes. Produced by the pancreas, insulin regulates blood glucose by helping cells absorb glucose from the bloodstream. In Type 1 diabetes, the body doesn’t produce insulin. In Type 2 diabetes, the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or the cells become resistant to its effects.
4. Which of the following is a common symptom of undiagnosed diabetes?
A
Increased thirst and frequent urination
B
Decreased appetite and weight gain
Increased thirst (polydipsia) and frequent urination (polyuria) are classic symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes. When there’s excess glucose in the bloodstream, your kidneys work harder to filter and absorb it. When they can’t keep up, this excess glucose is excreted into the urine, drawing fluid from your tissues. This makes you thirsty, causing you to drink and urinate more. Other common symptoms include unexplained weight loss, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow-healing sores.
5. What is a normal fasting blood glucose level?
A
Below 60 mg/dL (3.3 mmol/L)
B
130-180 mg/dL (7.2-10.0 mmol/L)
C
70-99 mg/dL (3.9-5.5 mmol/L)
D
200-250 mg/dL (11.1-13.9 mmol/L)
A normal fasting blood glucose level (after not eating for at least 8 hours) is between 70-99 mg/dL (3.9-5.5 mmol/L). Prediabetes is indicated by levels between 100-125 mg/dL (5.6-6.9 mmol/L), and diabetes is typically diagnosed when fasting blood glucose is 126 mg/dL (7.0 mmol/L) or higher on two separate tests.
6. Which of the following is a common complication of long-term diabetes?
A
Improved cardiovascular health
B
Diabetic retinopathy (eye damage)
D
Enhanced immune function
Diabetic retinopathy is a common complication of long-term diabetes that affects the eyes. High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in the retina, potentially leading to vision impairment or blindness. Other common complications of poorly managed diabetes include nephropathy (kidney damage), neuropathy (nerve damage), cardiovascular disease, foot problems, skin conditions, and hearing impairment.
7. Which lifestyle change can help prevent or manage Type 2 diabetes?
A
Increasing consumption of processed foods
B
Reducing physical activity
C
Increasing sugar intake
D
Regular exercise and weight management
Regular exercise and weight management are key lifestyle changes that can help prevent or manage Type 2 diabetes. Physical activity helps your body use insulin more efficiently, and maintaining a healthy weight reduces insulin resistance. Other beneficial lifestyle changes include eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, limiting processed foods and added sugars, not smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption.
8. What is the HbA1c test used for in diabetes management?
A
To measure daily blood glucose levels
B
To detect insulin in the bloodstream
C
To measure average blood glucose over 2-3 months
D
To diagnose Type 1 diabetes only
The HbA1c (hemoglobin A1c) test measures your average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months. It works by measuring the percentage of blood sugar attached to hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in red blood cells. This test is important for long-term diabetes management as it provides a bigger-picture look at glucose control than daily finger-prick tests. For most adults with diabetes, an HbA1c target of below 7% is recommended, though individual targets may vary.
