Elderly Diabetes Management Quiz

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of diseases characterized by high blood sugar levels. This happens because the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or can't use insulin properly.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the body attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.

Type 2 diabetes is characterized by insulin resistance, meaning the body's cells don't respond properly to insulin, leading to high blood sugar.

Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy when the body can't make enough insulin to handle the extra glucose.

Secondary diabetes is caused by other medical conditions, medications, or genetic syndromes. It's not the most common type.

Diabetes is common among older adults, affecting almost a quarter of those over 65. This is due to age-related insulin resistance, lifestyle factors like inactivity and poor diet, and coexisting health conditions.

Diabetes can lead to long-term damage and dysfunction in various organs, including the heart, eyes, kidneys, and nerves.

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder with chronic high blood sugar, affecting carbohydrate, fat, and protein metabolism.

A condition characterized by high blood sugar levels due to the body's inability to produce or use insulin effectively.

A decline in pancreatic function that occurs with age, increasing the risk of developing diabetes.

A lifestyle characterized by minimal physical activity, increasing the risk of diabetes.

A state where the body's blood sugar levels are too high, potentially leading to long-term health complications.

A state where the body's blood sugar levels are too low, potentially causing dizziness and confusion.

A condition where the body's glucose levels become elevated due to factors other than pancreatic dysfunction, including hormonal imbalances and medications.

Persistent high blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels, leading to various conditions like heart disease and stroke.

A common complication of diabetes affecting the nerves, causing numbness, tingling, and pain.

Drugs in this category prevent the pancreas from producing insulin.

These drugs block the enzyme that converts proinsulin into active insulin.

These diuretics can lead to low potassium levels, which in turn decreases insulin secretion.

These drugs increase the breakdown of fat, leading to higher levels of free fatty acids in the blood, which further reduces insulin sensitivity.

Weight control is crucial for managing diabetes and improving insulin sensitivity.

A balanced diet should include complex carbohydrates for sustained energy, and limit saturated fat and cholesterol.

Regular exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity, reduce blood sugar levels, and promote weight loss.

A personalized exercise plan should be tailored to the individual's health condition, fitness level, and preferences.

This class of oral hypoglycemic medications works by increasing the body's sensitivity to insulin and stimulating insulin receptor sites, leading to lower blood glucose levels and improved insulin action.

These medications belong to the class of incretin modifiers and work by increasing and prolonging the action of incretin, a natural hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. This leads to increased insulin secretion and reduced glucagon levels.

This type of insulin is characterized by a rapid onset of action, typically within 15 minutes, with a short duration of action, lasting 2 to 5 hours.

Short-acting insulin has a clear appearance with an onset of action within 30 minutes and a duration of action of 4-8 hours. It's the only insulin approved for intravenous use.

This type of insulin has a cloudy appearance, containing either protamine or zinc, which delays its action. It has an onset of one hour and lasts for 18 to 26 hours.

These insulins have a clear appearance and a delayed onset time, with no peak effect. They provide a constant release of insulin for an extended duration, lasting 24 to 36 hours.

Long-acting insulins, such as glargine, have a pH of 4, which makes them incompatible with mixing with other insulins. Mixing them can lead to precipitation, rendering them ineffective.

Insulin absorption is quickest in the abdomen, then arms, thighs, and lastly buttocks.

Repeated insulin injections in the same spot can cause fatty deposits (lipohypertrophy) that hinder insulin absorption.

Insulin should be kept refrigerated, not frozen, and protected from extreme temperatures and direct sunlight. Opened vials last one month, unopened vials until expiration date.

Cloudy insulins require mixing by rolling the vial between your hands before injection.

Keeping a spare insulin vial at room temperature helps reduce irritation at the injection site.

Controlling blood sugar levels within the non-diabetic range can significantly reduce the risk of long-term complications associated with diabetes.

Weight loss can improve blood sugar control in individuals with diabetes, especially those who are overweight or obese.

The combination of 70% NPH insulin (intermediate-acting) and 30% regular insulin (rapid-acting) provides a balanced blood sugar control throughout the day.

Weight loss of 5-10% can decrease or eliminate the need for diabetes medications and significantly improve blood glucose levels.

Insulin should be stored properly to maintain its effectiveness. Keep it refrigerated and check for expiration dates. Always have a spare vial.

Mixing cloudy insulin thoroughly before use ensures a consistent dose. Roll the vial between your hands to mix.

Consistent meal content and timings, like three equal meals spaced 5-6 hours apart, help prevent hypoglycemia and improve blood glucose control.

Exercise helps lower blood sugar levels, improves insulin utilization, and reduces cardiovascular risks in people with diabetes.

Regular self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) allows patients to adjust their diabetes management plan for optimal blood sugar control.

Proper technique in self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) is essential to ensure accurate blood glucose readings.

Hypoglycemia can occur hours after exercise, so eating a snack after exercise is essential to prevent low blood sugar.