Test Your Diabetes Iq!

How much do you know about diabetes? If you have diabetes, knowledge is important because it can keep you healthy and prevent or delay the serious complications of the disease. Take this quiz and see how you do.

Q. The blood test that measures average blood sugar over a period of months is called an A1C test, and this is a good predictor of developing diabetes complications.

A. True. The result of an A1C test is very significant because it correlates with the risk of developing complications. The higher the A1C result, the higher the risk for heart disease, stroke, amputations and kidney and vision problems. You can delay or prevent the risk of developing complications by keeping your A1C levels below 6.5 percent.

Q. People with diabetes must not drink alcohol.

A. False. A person with diabetes may drink alcohol in moderation when the blood sugar readings are within target range and triglycerides and blood pressure are normal. Moderate consumption of alcohol is defined as one alcoholic drink per day — 4 ounces of wine, 11/2 ounces of hard liquor, or 12 ounces of beer. Avoid sweet wines, liqueurs and sweetened mixed drinks. Alcohol should always be consumed with food because drinking on an empty stomach will increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar reaction). Alcohol tends to be high in calories, so make the alcoholic drink part of your meal plan. One drink equals one serving of fat.

Q. A chocolate bar is a good choice to treat hypoglycemia(low blood sugar).

A. False. Chocolate bars are high in fat as well as in sugar. Fat slows down the absorption of sugar. Thus, a chocolate bar could take hours to raise the blood sugar. A fast-acting carbohydrate such as juice -— a much better choice — will raise the blood sugar in minutes, as will hard sugar candy, such as Lifesavers.

Q. It’s important to walk barefoot around the house to air out your feet and prevent fungus.

A. False. To protect the feet and prevent possible injury, a person with diabetes should never walk barefoot, even at home.

Q. Swimming is a good exercise for people with loss of feeling in the feet.

A. True. Non-weight-bearing exercises such as swimming, water-walking and cycling are good choices.Weight-bearing exercises such as jogging, running and tap dancing are not appropriate for people without normal sensation in their feet.

Q. It’s important for everyone who takes insulin to carry a Glucagon injection kit to combat severe low blood sugar.

A. False. Most people with diabetes know when they are having a low blood sugar reaction. They feel clammy or break into a cold sweat, and they can combat it with juice or another fast-acting carbohydrate. But there are people who do not get symptoms – who cannot tell when their blood sugar is dangerously low – and they can pass out. For them, the Glucagon injection kit, and the presence of someone who knows how to use it, can be a life-saver.

Q. Green peas, lentils, garbanzo and kidney beans are high in carbohydrates.
A. True. Each half-cup of green peas, lentils, garbanzo or kidney beans has 15 grams of carbohydrates, and also is a great source of fiber.

Q. Drinking unsweetened fruit juice will not significantly raise your blood sugar level.

A. False. Unsweetened fruit juice has the natural sugar of fruit and will raise your blood sugar level.

Q. If your fasting blood sugar is around 120 every morning, your blood sugar levels during the day are fine, too.

A. False. Blood sugar levels change continuously based on food intake, activity level and effectiveness of medication. You must check blood sugar levels at various times during the day to know what is happening, and whether adjustments in medication or diet are needed.

Q. If you have a fever, feel sick, lose your appetite and don’t eat much, you should take less diabetes medication, or your blood sugar will go too low.

A. False. The stress of an illness interferes with the action of insulin (produced by your pancreas or injected) and the blood sugar could rise to very high levels. Because of this, you actually could need more medication than when you are not sick. Continue taking your diabetes medication as usual, check blood sugar frequently, and contact your doctor or diabetes team for more-specific instructions.

By: Maria Gough

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Maria Gough is a Nurse Manager at the Diabetes Care Center, Baptist Hospital. Baptist Health South Florida is the largest faith-based, not-for-profit health care organization in the region, with an outstanding reputation for medical and service excellence.