Test your diabetes IQ

Question 1
Fatigue can be one of the early symptoms of diabetes because the body is unable to convert food into sugar (energy)?

Select: True False

While it is true that fatigue may be an early sign of diabetes, the gut and liver of a person with diabetes are able to convert food into sugars (glucose) just fine. The problem is that the sugar is unable to pass from the blood into the cells, where it can be used as fuel for growth and energy. This is because, in order for the sugar to pass through through the cell walls, the hormone insulin is needed -- it acts almost like a key. In someone with diabetes, their pancreas is either producing too little or no insulin OR the cells are unable to process insulin properly. As a result, sugar, builds up in the blood and is excreted through urine.

In addition to fatigue (feeling weak, tired, sleepy), other early symptoms of diabetes may include:

• more frequent or persistent infections of the bladder, kidney, skin, etc.
• increased hunger
• constant thirst
• frequent urination
• weight loss

Question 2
Through the use of insulin injections, insulin pump or glucose-lowering medications, many diabetics are able to cure the disease?

Select: True False

There is no cure for diabetes, however, some people with Type 2 diabetes who bring their weight under control, exercise regularly and eat right may be able to stop taking insulin or diabetes medication.

Question 3
Left untreated, diabetes can lead to very serious health conditions over time?

Select: True False

Diabetes is the leading cause of blindness, kidney failure and non-traumatic lower limb amputations in adults, as well as increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Question 4
Of the three main types of diabetes, which is most common:

Select: Type 1 Type 2 Gestational Diabetes

5-10% of diabetes cases are Type 1. This is a case where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Researchers are uncertain as to why the immune system to go awry though autoimmune, genetic, and environmental factors or viral infections are suspected.

90-95% of all people with diabetes have Type 2, which is typically associated with obesity, sedentary lifestyle, older age, family history of diabetes and certain ethnicities. Most Type 2 cases begin as insulin resistance, where the pancreas is still producing adequate insulin but the cells are unable to use it. Gradually, insulin production decreases, similar to what happens in Type 1.

Gestational Diabetes occurs among women in 3-8% of pregnancies, usually in the latter months, and disappears once the baby has been born. There may be not even be symptoms at the time. Women who've had gestational diabetes have a 40-60% chance of developing Type 2 diabetes within 5-10 years -- though managing a healthy weight and active lifestyle may reduce this risk.

Question 5
Healthy eating for a person with diabetes means completely eliminating sugars from the diet.

Select: True False

The dietary goal for someone with diabetes is to maintain steady, healthy blood sugar levels by being mindful of what is eaten, how much and when. The emphasis should be on eating a nutritious diet that is low in fat, salt and calories, with smaller portions than what many of us are used to, and at regular intervals (4-6 times per day).

In many cases, a person can still eat a controlled amount of sugar that is found naturally in foods -- though adding more sugar to foods is discouraged. Carbohydrates (sugars/simple carbohydrates and starches/complex carbohydrates) are what have the greatest effect on blood sugar levels so you want to spread the carobohydrate intake throughout the day. The healthiest "carbs" are found in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes -- which coincidentally are also high in dietary fiber which further helps to control blood sugar levels. A diabetes-healthy diet is one that would be considered to be healthy for all of us.