Symptoms
True or False: Frequent urination is a common symptom of diabetes.
What is TRUE?
Explanation: High blood sugar levels cause the kidneys to work harder to remove excess glucose, leading to increased urination.
True or False: Insulin injections are the primary treatment for Type 1 diabetes.
What is TRUE?
Explanation: Since people with Type 1 diabetes cannot produce insulin, they need insulin injections to regulate blood sugar levels.
True or False: Type 1 diabetes is caused by the immune system attacking insulin-producing cells.
What is TRUE?
Explanation: In Type 1 diabetes, the immune system mistakenly attacks the pancreas's insulin-producing cells, leading to insulin deficiency.
True or False: Diabetes can cause serious eye problems like diabetic retinopathy.
What is TRUE?
Explanation: High blood sugar can damage the blood vessels in the eyes, leading to diabetic retinopathy and potentially causing vision loss.
True or False: Type 2 diabetes can sometimes be prevented with a healthy diet and exercise.
What is TRUE?
Explanation: Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly can reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes.
True or False: Weight gain is a typical early symptom of Type 1 diabetes.
Answer: What is FALSE?
Explanation: Type 1 diabetes is often associated with weight loss rather than gain because the body can't use glucose for energy properly.
True or False: Type 2 diabetes can always be controlled with just diet and exercise.
What is FALSE?
Explanation: While diet and exercise are key, some people with Type 2 diabetes also need medication or insulin to control their blood sugar levels.
True or False: Being underweight is a major risk factor for developing Type 2 diabetes.
What is FALSE?
Explanation: Being overweight or obese, especially around the abdomen, is a major risk factor for Type 2 diabetes, not being underweight.
True or False: Diabetic neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that affects the hands and feet.
What is TRUE?
Explanation: Diabetic neuropathy is a common complication of diabetes that damages nerves, particularly in the extremities like the hands and feet.
True or False: Type 1 diabetes can be prevented by following a healthy lifestyle.
What is FALSE?
Explanation: Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition and cannot be prevented through lifestyle changes.
True or False: Increased thirst and hunger are signs that blood sugar levels might be too high.
Answer: What is TRUE?
Explanation: High blood sugar causes dehydration (increased thirst) and prevents cells from getting the energy they need, leading to increased hunger.
True or False: Blood sugar monitoring is essential for managing both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
What is TRUE?
Explanation: Regular monitoring helps manage blood sugar levels, prevent complications, and adjust treatment plans as needed.
True or False: A family history of diabetes can increase your risk of developing the disease.
What is TRUE?
Explanation: Genetics plays a role in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, with a family history increasing your risk of developing the condition.
True or False: Heart disease is not related to diabetes.
What is FALSE?
Explanation: Diabetes significantly increases the risk of heart disease due to its effects on blood vessels and cholesterol levels.
True or False: Insulin-producing cells are attacked by the immune system in people with Type 1 diabetes.
What is TRUE?
Explanation: The immune system mistakenly targets and destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas in Type 1 diabetes.
True or False: Fatigue and feeling very tired are rare symptoms of diabetes.
What is FALSE?
Explanation: Fatigue is a common symptom of diabetes because the body's cells are not getting enough glucose for energy.
True or False: Metformin is a medication used to treat Type 1 diabetes.
What is FALSE?
Explanation: Metformin is primarily used to treat Type 2 diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity, but it is not effective in Type 1, where insulin is required.
True or False: Type 2 diabetes usually begins with an autoimmune response.
What is FALSE?
Explanation: Type 2 diabetes typically develops due to insulin resistance, not an autoimmune response, which is characteristic of Type 1 diabetes.
True or False: High blood sugar can damage the kidneys, leading to diabetic nephropathy.
What is TRUE?
Explanation: Chronic high blood sugar can damage the kidneys' filtering system, leading to diabetic nephropathy, which may progress to kidney failure.
True or False: People with diabetes can’t eat foods with any sugar.
What is FALSE?
Explanation: People with diabetes can eat sugar, but it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, with a focus on controlling blood sugar levels.
True or False: Unexplained weight loss can be a symptom of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
What is TRUE?
Explanation: In both types, the body may begin breaking down muscle and fat for energy if it can't access glucose effectively, leading to weight loss.
True or False: An insulin pump can deliver insulin automatically to people with diabetes.
What is TRUE?
Explanation: Insulin pumps deliver a steady amount of insulin throughout the day and can be programmed to deliver additional doses as needed.
True or False: Viral infections can trigger the onset of Type 1 diabetes in some people.
What is TRUE?
Explanation: Some viral infections are believed to trigger the autoimmune response that leads to Type 1 diabetes in genetically predisposed individuals.
True or False: Diabetes can cause circulation problems that lead to foot ulcers and infections.
What is TRUE?
Explanation: Poor circulation and nerve damage in people with diabetes can lead to foot ulcers, which are slow to heal and prone to infection.
True or False: People with Type 2 diabetes always need to take insulin.
What is FALSE?
Explanation: Some people with Type 2 diabetes can manage their condition with diet, exercise, and oral medications, without needing insulin.