Patient Education
How many grams of carbs are in 2 carb servings?
30 grams
True or False: Type 1 diabetes is preventable by eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight.
False
Type 1 diabetes is NOT preventable, it is caused by genetics and environmental factors.
Myth or fact? Being diagnosed with gestational diabetes means the patient will continue to have diabetes after the baby is born.
Myth. Women who have gestational diabetes are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life, but it doesn't persist after birth.
Describe the plate method for diabetes.
1/2 plate non-starchy veggies, 1/4 plate starches, 1/4 plate protein (non-starchy), side of fruit and dairy
Belonging to one of these ethnic groups means a higher risk for developing diabetes. (Name at least 2)
Native American, African, Hispanic/Latino, Asian, or Pacific Islander
Myth or Fact: All people with diabetes have to take insulin.
Myth
T1 diabetes must be treated with insulin, type 2 and gestational might need insulin, but can often be managed through diet and lifestyle changes.
Where is insulin produced?
In the beta cells of the pancreas.
Name at least 4 major risk factors for type 2 diabetes:
Over the age of 45; Certain ethnic groups; Family history of diabetes; Overweight/obesity; Physically inactive; High blood pressure (140/90 or greater); Low HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol: less than or equal to 35mg/dL); History of gestational diabetes or delivery of a baby over 9lbs
What are 3 things someone with diabetes must do for good blood sugar control?
Eat a balanced diet (meal plan), get regular exercise and take their medication/insulin, go to regular doctor's visits, check blood sugar daily, check feet daily
How does insulin lower blood glucose?
Insulin increases membrane transport of glucose into fat and muscle cells.
Insulin inhibits glycogenolysis.
Insulin inhibits gluconeogenesis.
What is an appropriate serving size of meat, based on the hand measuring tool?
The size of your palm (3 oz)
High blood pressure is considered above what threshold?
130/80 or greater
What is the meaning of the term "tight control"?
Keeping blood glucose as close to normal as possible.
How many minutes of physical activity should children and adolescents should do each week, as recommended by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
150 minutes or more of physical activity each week.
What compensatory response would you expect to see in a patient with diabetic ketoacidosis?
Increased respiration rate (Kussmaul respirations)
What is the goal of diabetic patient education programs?
Promotion of patient centered self-care.
True or False:
If I'm pregnant and don't have symptoms of diabetes, I don't need to be tested for gestational diabetes.
False!
Many women experience no symptoms of diabetes with gestational diabetes. It is extremely important for all pregnant women to be tested for GD between the 24-28th week of pregnancy.
What substance causes many drug interactions and can lead to serious hypoclycemia?
Alcohol
People with diabetes are at risk for nerve problems and amputations. For this reason, it is important to check this body part daily.
Feet
What organ can increase blood glucose, even if no food has been eaten?
The liver.
The liver breaks down stored glycogen into glucose which is released into the blood stream.