Understanding Diabetes Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary reason diabetes occurs in individuals?

The pancreas becomes overly responsive to glucose.

The immune system destroys insulin-producing cells. (correct)

There is an increase in physical activity.

The body produces excessive amounts of insulin.

Which of the following symptoms is NOT typically associated with diabetes?

Polyuria

Excessive sweating (correct)

Polydipsia

Weight loss

What characterizes Type 2 diabetes in terms of insulin?

The body produces too much insulin initially.

The body is unable to produce any insulin.

The body does not use insulin effectively. (correct)

The body has an increased sensitivity to insulin.

What is a risk factor for developing diabetes related to age?

Being over 55 years of age. Signup and view all the answers

What is gestational diabetes mellitus primarily associated with?

Hormonal changes during pregnancy. Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom involves excessive thirst in diabetes?

Polydipsia Signup and view all the answers

What is hyperglycemia?

High blood sugar levels. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of insulin in the body?

To allow glucose to enter body cells. Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum fasting period required before a fasting blood glucose test?

8 hours Signup and view all the answers

Which test does not require fasting before the procedure?

HbA1c Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended amount of moderate exercise per week for diabetes management?

150 minutes Signup and view all the answers

What is the ideal fasting blood sugar level for individuals with Type 1 diabetes?

5.0 to 7.0 mmol/L Signup and view all the answers

Which oral medication is commonly prescribed for Type 2 diabetes?

Metformin Signup and view all the answers

For gestational diabetes, what should blood sugar be 1 hour after meals?

Less than 140 mg/dL Signup and view all the answers

In Type 2 diabetes, what is the fasting blood sugar level considered optimal?

4.0 to 7.0 mmol/L Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of Type 1 diabetes?

Complete lack of insulin production Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a chronic disease where blood sugar levels are high.
This is caused by either the pancreas producing too little or no insulin or the body not using insulin properly.

Causes of Diabetes

The exact cause is unknown.
It is thought to be caused by a combination of factors, including genetics and lifestyle.
Genetics: Family history, predispositions to autoimmune disorders.
Lifestyle factors: Obesity, lack of physical activity, unhealthy diet.

Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes

Frequent urination (Polyuria):
Excessive thirst (Polydipsia):
Excessive hunger (Polyphagia):
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue and weakness
Slow-healing sores and cuts
Blurred vision
Bedwetting in children who have never wet the bed before

Types of Diabetes

Type 1 Diabetes: The body does not produce insulin. Requires frequent insulin injections or an insulin pump.
Type 2 Diabetes: The body does not use insulin efficiently and gradually loses the ability to produce enough insulin.
Gestational Diabetes: Develops during pregnancy. The body is not able to use insulin efficiently due to hormonal changes associated with pregnancy.

Diagnosing Diabetes

Fasting Blood Glucose test: Measures blood sugar levels after an 8-hour fast.
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Measures blood sugar levels after an 8-hour fast, and then after consuming a sugary drink.
HbA1c Test: Shows average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months.

Managing Diabetes

Lifestyle Changes:
Carbohydrate Counting:
Physical Activity: Aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
Blood Sugar Monitoring: Track blood sugar levels regularly to monitor and adjust medications.
Regular Checkups: See health professionals for regular checkups and monitoring.

Ideal Blood Sugar Levels

Non-Diabetic Individuals:
- Fasting: 4.0 to 5.4 mmol/L (70 to 115 mg/dL)
Type 1 Diabetes:
- Fasting: 5.0 to 7.0 mmol/L (90 to 130 mg/dL)
- Before meals: 4.0 to 7.0 mmol/L (72 to 130 mg/dL)
- At least 90 minutes after meals: 5.0 to 9.0 mmol/L (90 to 162 mg/dL)
Type 2 Diabetes:
- Fasting: 4.0 to 7.0 mmol/L (72 to 130 mg/dL)
- Before meals: Under 8.5 mmol/L (153 mg/dL)
- At least 90 minutes after meals: Under 8.5 mmol/L (153 mg/dL)
Gestational Diabetes:
- Before meals: Less than 95 mg/dL
- 1 hour after meals: Less than 140 mg/dL
- 2 hours after meals: Less than 120 mg/dL

Medications

Type 1 Diabetes: Insulin Therapy
- Requires a lifetime of insulin therapy.
- Insulin types: Rapid-acting insulin, long-acting insulin.
Type 2 Diabetes:
- Oral Medications:
  - Metformin
  - Sulfonylureas (e.g. glipizide, glyburide)
  - DPP-4 inhibitors (e.g. sitagliptin)
  - SGLT2 inhibitors (e.g. canagliflozin)
- Insulin Therapy (if needed):
Gestational Diabetes:
- Dietary Changes and Exercise:
- Insulin Therapy (if needed):

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Description

This quiz explores the fundamentals of diabetes, including its causes, symptoms, and types. You'll learn about the differences between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and the factors that contribute to this chronic disease. A perfect resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of diabetes.