Lifestyle and Exercise/Healthy Living Flashcards
List some of the lifestyle choices which increase risks of type 2 diabetes.
Obesity
Physical activity
Smoking
Alcohol
-> not a ‘choice’ but those in deprived areas are 2.5x more likely to have diabetes
Lots of manufacturers have diabetic versions of jams, biscuits, etc.
Do these have a place in the diet of a diabetic?
No. No benefit compared to eating a balanced diet and can cause diarrhoea.
What are some of the recommendations regarding diet made to those with diabetes?
Try and eat regularly- have set meals times to avoid overeating
Frequent fruit and veg
Modifying salt intake
Modify alcohol intake
Which type of diet is recommended that we all try and follow?
Mediterranean diet
What is meant by a high glycaemic index?
Foods which increase blood sugar a lot more rapidly
->low glycaemic foods raise blood glucose a lot more slowly and controlled
How much quick acting insulin should be taken in a type 1 diabetic?
Dose to cover total carb content in food
+
Correction dose if blood glucose is high
How many units of insulin is taken for eat 10g of carbs?
1 unit : 10 g
->some would use 1:7 or 1:8, depends on individual
One unit of insulin reduces blood glucose by how much?
3mmol
Why is the composition of food important to consider when taking insulin?
Alters how quickly the carbohydrate will be absorbed from the gut
Diabulimia?
Type 1 diabetic eating disorder
What happens in diabulimia?
Patient may reduce insulin levels to control weight
Those with diabulimia have higher risks of what?
DKA as reducing insulin
How many times more likely are you to die from an ED w Type 1 diabetes compared to someone in the general population with the same age?
36x more likely
How many units of alcohol can diabetics have?
Same as general population, no more than 2-3 units per day
If a type 1 diabetic has more than 2-3 units of alcohol at one time, what does it increase the chances of?
A hypo
->alcohol reduces glycogenolysis. Often have a rise in BG, followed by a fall.
Increased risks following exercise e.g. dancing or walking home
What advice is given to type 1 diabetics regarding drinking alcohol and controlling their blood sugar?
Advise to eat before they drink and snack afterwards
List some of the benefits of exercise.
CV benefit
Reduces cancer risk
Consumes energy/fat
Builds lean tissue
Improve strength, endurance and flexibility
Improves mood and self esteem
Different exercises have different effects on blood glucose levels.
What effect does flexibility/stretching exercises have on BG levels?
No effect
Different exercises have different effects on blood glucose levels.
What effect do aerobic exercises, like running, have on BG levels?
Decrease in BG levels
Different exercises have different effects on blood glucose levels.
What effect does anaerobic exercises, like weight lifting, have on BG levels?
Immediate raise in BG levels
Drop later on
What should type 1 diabetics do in terms of their insulin when they exercise?
Reduce insulin before and after
Eat more
How much does smoking increase risks of diabetes?
1.5 times
Can nicotine replacement be used in diabetes?
Yes
What are some of the risks of using recreational drugs as a diabetic?
-Risks of DKA
-Seizures
-cardiotoxic
-Anxiousness
-Vomiting
-Munchies-> hyper/hypos
-Hyper/hypotension
If a diabetic patient continued to use recreational drugs, what advice should be given?
-Avoid dehydration
-Monitor BG for highs and lows
-Do not omit insulin/carbs
-Munchies and control
What are some of the risks of driving as a diabetic?
Risks of hypos, poor vision and neuropathy
When would someone with diabetes need to inform DVLA?
If they are on insulin
Who needs to be informed if you have any type of diabetes?
Insurance
If you have a hypo, how long after correcting the hypo should you not drive?
45mins after correcting the hypo
Before driving, what do type 1 diabetics have to do?
Test their BG within the last 2hrs before driving
Which occupations are diabetics not able to undertake?
Armed forces
Emergency services- depends on the service
In which occupations is it up to the employer/individual if an employee with diabetes is able to continue?
Offshore oil
Shipping
Blue light rapid response drivers
At the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, it is recommended to take how much time off to allow for adjustments?
2 weeks
List some hobbies/jobs that need careful consideration before doing as a diabetic.
Scuba diving
Scaffolder/window cleaner
Solo adventures/activities
Endurance sports
Taxi-driver
Emergency vehicle driver
Bus/lorry driver
Game keeper
If taking insulin, abroad, what is important to note?
Do not put it in the hold of a plane as can freeze and become inactive
