Basic Facts About Diabetes Mellitus Quiz

Answer: Diabetes Mellitus is the leading cause of blindness in adults.

A person does not get diabetes from eating too much sugar. Diabetics should have a balanced diet which includes carbohydrates. It's advisable to sit with a dietitian and plan a diet that works for you. Know how many calories are in what you eat. Insulin injections do not cause impotence.

A combination of factors may cause erectile dysfunction (ED). High blood sugar damages nerves and blood vessels, including those supplying the penis. In addition, many people with diabetes also have other co-morbidities such as atherosclerosis (which narrows the blood vessels reducing blood flow to certain organs), and hypertension. Taking antihypertensive medication may also contribute to ED.

Answer: diabetic keto acidosis ( DKA).

In type 1 diabetes, the body fails to produce insulin, hence the individual thereby affected has to take insulin for life. In type 2 diabetes, the insulin produced is either inadequate or ineffective. In gestational diabetes, the blood sugar is high during pregnancy but returns to normal after birth. People who develop gestational diabetes are predisposed to the development of diabetes mellitus later in life. DKA is not a classification of diabetes; it's an acute complication resulting from insulin lack.

Answer: puffiness around the eyes.

When glucose level in the blood is too high, the kidneys begin to spill glucose into the urine (glycosuria). This creates an osmotic pull on water from within the blood passing through the kidneys. The client urinates frequently (polyuria), and becomes dehydrated.

The mechanism of thirst is activated and the individual drinks lots of water (polydipsia). Since there is not enough insulin to transport available glucose after a meal into the cells, the client feels hungry and keeps eating to satisfy that hunger (polyphagia).

The body starts to break down proteins and fats to provide a source of energy for cells to do their work. Weight loss and other complications result.

Answer: Family history and obesity.

The risk for developing diabetes increase greatly if you have a close relative with diabetes. The closer the relative, the higher the risk. Apart from a genetic predisposition, people within a family tend to have similar life style practices. For example, they may eat the same types of foods. If your weight is more than 20% of that ideal for your height, you're more predisposed to diabetes.

Answer: Atherosclerosis.

The abnormal metabolism which takes place in diabetes predisposes the client to atherosclerosis. This in turn increases the incidence of heart attacks, stroke, kidney disease and amputation.
Arthritis is a very common problem and the diseases may overlap, hence many diabetics also have arthritis.
People with diabetes are more susceptible to infections, including infection of the gums and teeth. Diabetics should have a dental check up at least every six months.
Poorly controlled diabetes during pregnancy allows for lots of glucose to cross the placenta and become available for the fetus. The baby becomes macrosomic (large), which in turn may lead to difficult labor and delivery.

Answer: Glycoslated hemoglobin (HbA1c)

High HbA1c is associated with disease of the eyes, heart and kidneys as well as stroke and nerve damage. Hemoglobin becomes glycated when exposed to high levels of glucose. Once hemoglobin becomes glycated it stays that way. Hemoglobin is contained in red blood cells. The average life span of a RBC is 120 days, hence HbAIc reflects glucose control over 2-3 months.

Answer: Fats.

DKA is a serious complication of diabetes. The victim may have skipped insulin injections or developed an infection which increases the demand for insulin. The body being unable to break down carbohydrates, starts to break down fats instead. Ketone bodies is an end product of fat metabolism. Acetone is the ketone body which gives the breath a fruity odor.

A diabetic with a fruity breath needs prompt medical attention.

Answer: It's okay to go barefoot once in your own home environment.

Some people with diabetes experience damage or numbness to the feet making it difficult to detect minor cuts and bruises early. Diabetic ulcers take longer than usual to heal. Gangrene and amputation can result. Diabetics should not go barefoot. They should be encouraged to practice good foot care which includes wearing properly fitted shoes, inspecting the feet regularly and seeking prompt treatment for abnormalities once detected.

Answer: bounding pulses in the legs and feet.

All of these options are signs and symptoms of PAD except for bounding pulses. The pulses are often difficult to palpate in people with PAD. The most common symptom of PAD is intermittent leg pain referred to as intermittent claudication. Treatment of PAD is important because a blockage in the arteries supplying the legs may also mean a blockage in arteries supplying vital organs such as the brain or heart resulting in a stroke or heart attack.

Answer: There is no cure for diabetes mellitus.

The aim of treatment is effective control of blood sugar levels and prevention of complications where possible. Diet modification and regular exercise may be all that's needed for some clients. Others may need to add oral hypoglycemic agents or insulin, depending on their response. The type 1 diabetic will need insulin.