Diabetes Flashcards
What is diabetes?
A common disease where there is too much glucose in the blood due to insufficient insulin production or insulin resistance
Diabetes can lead to various health complications if untreated.
What are the three types of diabetes?
- Diabetes Type 1
- Diabetes Type 2
- Gestational Diabetes
Each type has different causes and treatments.
What is Diabetes Type 1?
A genetic disease where the pancreas does not work, requiring daily insulin injections for life
It is often diagnosed in childhood or adolescence.
What is Diabetes Type 2?
Caused by poor diet and being overweight, sometimes treatable with diet but often requires medication
It is the most common form of diabetes.
What is gestational diabetes?
Diabetes that develops during pregnancy, posing risks to both mother and child
It usually resolves after childbirth.
What blood test is used to monitor glucose levels?
A blood test measuring glucose levels, with normal levels between 4 and 5.6 mmol/l
Regular monitoring is crucial for diabetes management.
What causes Type 2 diabetes?
Either due to the pancreas failing to produce sufficient insulin or the cells becoming resistant to insulin
This can result from an unhealthy lifestyle and diet.
What are some complications of untreated diabetes?
- Inflammation of the body
- Atherosclerosis
- Increased blood pressure
- Heart attacks and strokes
- Blindness
- Tissue death and gangrene
- Kidney damage
- Decreased immune system function
These complications can significantly impact quality of life.
What are some risk factors for diabetes?
- Ethnicity
- Age
- Family history
- Inactive lifestyle
- High alcohol intake
- High fat and carbohydrate diet
- Smoking
Understanding these risk factors can help in prevention strategies.
