Blog article
National Diabetes Week: Quiz
In July every year, Australia observes National Diabetes Week, which advocates increased awareness into the disease, including insight into its challenges and realities.
To help further foster awareness and education, we've put together a quiz to test your diabetes knowledge, and to hopefully provide a bit of education too!
Good luck!
Questions:
1. What is thought to be the most significant contributor to the development of type 1 diabetes?
a) Obesity
b) Genetic predisposition
c) Poor diet
d) Lack of exercise
2. Which of the following is not a typical symptom of diabetes?
a) Frequent urination
b) Increased thirst
c) Weight gain
d) Fatigue
3. Which hormone is responsible for lowering blood sugar levels?
a) Insulin
b) Estrogen
c) Testosterone
d) Cortisol
4. What is the medical term for a low blood sugar level?
a) Hyperglycaemia
b) Hypoglycaemia
c) Hyperinsulinemia
d) Glycosuria
5. What is the medical term for a high blood sugar level?
a) Hyperglycaemia
b) Hypoglycaemia
c) Hyperinsulinemia
d) Glycosuria
6. Which type of diabetes always requires insulin injections for survival?
a) Type 1 diabetes
b) Type 2 diabetes
c) Gestational diabetes
d) Pre-diabetes
7. What is the name for the tool used to measure blood sugar levels at home?
a) Glucose meter
b) Blood pressure cuff
c) Insulin pump
d) Syringe
8. Which of the following is a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes?
a) Regular physical activity
b) Low body mass index (BMI)
c) High-fibre diet
d) High body mass index (BMI)
9. Diabetes is the fastest-growing chronic health condition in Australia. True or false?
a) True
b) False
10. What percentage of type 2 diabetes cases can diabetes prevention programs effectively prevent or delay?
a) 2%
b) 10%
c) 25%
d) 58%
Answers:
1. What is thought to be the most significant contributor to the development of type 1 diabetes?
b) Genetic predisposition
Type 1 diabetes is primarily caused by an autoimmune response where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. While genetics play a significant role, environmental factors are also thought to trigger this autoimmune response.2
2. Which of the following is not a typical symptom of diabetes?
c) Weight gain
Despite being closely associated with type 2 diabetes, weight gain is not typically a symptom of diabetes. In fact, weight loss is a symptom of diabetes3, while weight gain can be a side effect of taking insulin4.
3. Which hormone is responsible for lowering blood sugar levels?
a) Insulin
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps lower blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose from the bloodstream into cells, where it can be used for energy or stored for later use.5
4. What is the medical term for a low blood sugar level?
b) Hypoglycaemia
Hypoglycaemia occurs when blood sugar levels drop below normal levels, leading to symptoms such as shakiness, sweating, confusion, and, if severe, loss of consciousness. Hypoglycaemia is usually treated by consuming fast-acting carbohydrates to raise blood sugar levels quickly.6
5. What is the medical term for a high blood sugar level?
a) Hyperglycaemia
Hyperglycaemia refers to high blood sugar levels, symptoms of which include increased thirst, frequent urination, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow wound healing. If left untreated, hyperglycaemia can lead to more serious conditions such as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or hyperosmolar hyperglycaemic state (HHS).7
Management typically involves adjusting insulin or medication dosages, monitoring blood sugar levels closely, and making dietary and lifestyle changes to bring blood sugar levels back into the target range.8
6. Which type of diabetes always requires insulin injections for survival?
a) Type 1 diabetes
As we covered in question 1, type 1 diabetes is characterised by the body's inability to produce insulin. Therefore, individuals with type 1 diabetes require lifelong insulin therapy to survive. Insulin is typically administered via injections or an insulin pump.2
Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, can often be managed effectively with lifestyle modifications, including diet and exercise.8
7. What is the name for the tool used to measure blood sugar levels at home?
a) Glucose meter
A glucose meter is a portable device used by people with diabetes to monitor their blood sugar levels at home or on the go. It requires a small blood sample, usually obtained by pricking the fingertip, which is then placed on a test strip inserted into the meter for analysis.9
Glucose levels can also be monitored by using a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) or flash glucose monitoring (Flash GM) device. These devices measure glucose in the fluid between your cells instead of in your blood.9
8. Which of the following is a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes?
d) High body mass index (BMI)
Being overweight increases the chances of developing type 2 diabetes seven-fold while being obese makes you 20 to 40 times more likely. Maintaining a healthy weight is the single most effective way to prevent type 2 diabetes.10
9. Diabetes is the fastest-growing chronic health condition in Australia. True or false?
a) True
Diabetes is the fastest-growing chronic health condition in Australia, surpassing both heart disease and cancer.1
10) What percentage of type 2 diabetes cases can diabetes prevention programs effectively prevent or delay?
d) 58%
Diabetes prevention programs can be effective in preventing or delaying up to 58% of type 2 diabetes cases. That’s more than 1 in every 2 cases!11 And, if you’ve been diagnosed, that’s where The COACH program comes in.
How The COACH Program can help you
Funded by HBF as part of your hospital cover*, The COACH Program aims to support your wellness journey after a diabetes diagnosis, enhancing overall well-being and minimising the risk of complications.
Tailored to your specific needs, each coaching session is designed to assist you in reaching your personal health goals. A team of qualified professionals provides practical advice, delivering reliable and easily understandable information to empower you in managing your health effectively.
