Understanding Diabetes
What is diabetes mellitus ?
A chronic condition in which the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar to address problems with insulin. (Lewis, 2023)
What is diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
Diabetic ketoacidosis is an acute metabolic complication of diabetes characterized by hyperglycemia, hyperketonemia, and metabolic acidosis.(Brutsaert, 2026)
What is the main cause of long-term complications in diabetes?
Hyperglycemia: High blood sugar levels over a long period damage organs and tissues in the long term.(Long-term Complications of Diabetes: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, n.d.-b)
What are two key lifestyle changes that help manage diabetes?
Healthy eating and regular physical activity.(American Heart Association, 2024)
What is the main medication used for Type 1 diabetes?
Insulin.(Cherney, 2025)
What is hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia ?
Low blood sugar and High blood sugar. (Lewis, 2023)
What are common symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or rapid deep breathing.(Brutsaert, 2026)
How can long-term diabetes affect the digestive system, and what symptoms might patients experience?
Diabetes can damage the nerves that control digestion, leading to problems such as constipation, diarrhea, or difficulty digesting food.(Long-term Complications of Diabetes: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, n.d.-b)
Why is maintaining a healthy weight important for people with Type 2 diabetes
It helps control blood sugar and reduces the risk of high blood pressure and cholesterol.(American Heart Association, 2024)
Name one common oral medication used for Type 2 diabetes ?
Metformin.(Cherney, 2025)
What are normal blood glucose levels for a person without diabetes (fasting and after meals)?
Fasting: 4.0–6.0 mmol/L
After meals: 5.0 to 8.0 mmol/L
(Normal Blood Sugar Levels Canada Chart: Your Ultimate Guide, n.d.-b)
Diabetic patients may exhibit dehydration, rapid breathing, and fruity-smelling breath. Which condition is most likely to occur and why?
Diabetes ketoacidosis caused by ketone production due to insulin deficiency.(Brutsaert, 2026)
A patient with diabetes reported tingling and numbness in their feet. What is that and why did it happen?
This is diabetic neuropathy.
It occurs because high blood sugar damages nerves for long time.(Long-term Complications of Diabetes: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, n.d.-b)
How much physical activity is recommended for healthy adults each week?
At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.(American Heart Association, 2024)
What is the main goal of medications for Type 2 diabetes, and how do they help control blood sugar levels?
To help the body use insulin better or remove excess glucose from the blood.(Cherney, 2025)
The role of insulin in the body? What happens when there isn't enough insulin?
Insulin acts like a key that unlocks the doors of cells to allow glucose into the body.(Professional, 2026)
Without enough insulin, glucose cannot enter the cells and becomes trapped in the blood, leading to accumulation and causing diabetes.(Professional, 2026)
Explain how insulin deficiency leads to ketone production in diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
Without insulin, the body cannot use glucose for energy. It breaks down fats, producing fatty acids, which the liver then converts into ketones, which accumulate and cause metabolic acidosis.(Brutsaert, 2026)
Explain why diabetes increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
High blood sugar levels make it more difficult to control blood pressure and cholesterol, leading to damage to blood vessels and reduced blood flow, which in turn increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.(Long-term Complications of Diabetes: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, n.d.-b)
What types of food should people with diabetes limit?
Sugar: less than 10% of daily calories.
Saturated fat: less than 10% of daily calories.
Sodium: less than 2,300 mg per day.
(American Heart Association, 2024)
What is difference between rapid-acting insulin and long-acting insulin?
Rapid-acting insulin: works quickly for short periods. rapid-acting insulin works within 15 minutes. The peak time is 1–2 hours after use, and the medication lasts between 2 and 4 hours.(Cherney, 2025)
Long-acting insulin: works slowly and lasts longer. Long-acting insulin works up to 24 hours.(Cherney, 2025)
Compare Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes in terms of cause, At what age does it usually occur?
Type 1 Diabetes:
The body's immune system is overactive and attacks the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
The body does not produce enough insulin.
Sudden onset, often occurs in children and adolescents.
Type 2 Diabetes:
Insulin resistance, which prevents the body from using insulin effectively.(Clinic, 2024)
The body still produces insulin, but it becomes less effective with age.(Clinic, 2024)
Common in older adults.(Clinic, 2024)
Identify the main priorities in the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis and explain their purpose.
IV fluids: restore hydration and circulation Insulin Therapy: reduce blood glucose and stop ketone Production Potassium replacement: prevent electrolyte imbalance.(Brutsaert, 2026)
This description shows how poorly controlled diabetes can affect the immune system and explains why regular monitoring is important.
It increases the risk of infection due to a weakened immune system, leading to organ failure and even amputation.(Long-term Complications of Diabetes: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, n.d.-b)
Regular monitoring, such as blood sugar checks and hospital visits, helps detect problems early and prevent serious complications.(Long-term Complications of Diabetes: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia, n.d.-b)
How does smoking negatively affect people with diabetes?
It increases blood sugar, raises blood pressure, and increases the risk of complications like heart disease and nerve damage.(American Heart Association, 2024)
Explain why some people with Type 2 diabetes may require both insulin therapy and oral medications to manage their condition effectively?
People with Type 2 diabetes may not produce enough insulin and may also have insulin resistance.(Cherney, 2025)
Oral administration helps the body lower glucose levels. Using both methods helps control blood sugar better and reduce complications.(Cherney, 2025)