Lifestyle and Exercise/Healthy Living

Question 1

List some of the lifestyle choices which increase risks of type 2 diabetes.

Answer 1

Obesity
Physical activity
Smoking
Alcohol

-> not a ‘choice’ but those in deprived areas are 2.5x more likely to have diabetes

Question 2

Lots of manufacturers have diabetic versions of jams, biscuits, etc.
Do these have a place in the diet of a diabetic?

Answer 2

No. No benefit compared to eating a balanced diet and can cause diarrhoea.

Question 3

What are some of the recommendations regarding diet made to those with diabetes?

Answer 3

Try and eat regularly- have set meals times to avoid overeating
Frequent fruit and veg
Modifying salt intake
Modify alcohol intake

Question 4

Which type of diet is recommended that we all try and follow?

Answer 4

Mediterranean diet

Question 5

What is meant by a high glycaemic index?

Answer 5

Foods which increase blood sugar a lot more rapidly

->low glycaemic foods raise blood glucose a lot more slowly and controlled

Question 6

How much quick acting insulin should be taken in a type 1 diabetic?

Answer 6

Dose to cover total carb content in food
+
Correction dose if blood glucose is high

Question 7

How many units of insulin is taken for eat 10g of carbs?

Answer 7

1 unit : 10 g

->some would use 1:7 or 1:8, depends on individual

Question 8

One unit of insulin reduces blood glucose by how much?

Answer 8

3mmol

Question 9

Why is the composition of food important to consider when taking insulin?

Answer 9

Alters how quickly the carbohydrate will be absorbed from the gut

Question 10

Diabulimia?

Answer 10

Type 1 diabetic eating disorder

Question 11

What happens in diabulimia?

Answer 11

Patient may reduce insulin levels to control weight

Question 12

Those with diabulimia have higher risks of what?

Answer 12

DKA as reducing insulin

Question 13

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?

Answer 13

36x more likely

Question 14

How many units of alcohol can diabetics have?

Answer 14

Same as general population, no more than 2-3 units per day

Question 15

If a type 1 diabetic has more than 2-3 units of alcohol at one time, what does it increase the chances of?

Answer 15

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

Question 16

What advice is given to type 1 diabetics regarding drinking alcohol and controlling their blood sugar?

Answer 16

Advise to eat before they drink and snack afterwards

Question 17

List some of the benefits of exercise.

Answer 17

CV benefit
Reduces cancer risk
Consumes energy/fat
Builds lean tissue
Improve strength, endurance and flexibility
Improves mood and self esteem

Question 18

Different exercises have different effects on blood glucose levels.
What effect does flexibility/stretching exercises have on BG levels?

Answer 18

No effect

Question 19

Different exercises have different effects on blood glucose levels.
What effect do aerobic exercises, like running, have on BG levels?

Answer 19

Decrease in BG levels

Question 20

Different exercises have different effects on blood glucose levels.
What effect does anaerobic exercises, like weight lifting, have on BG levels?

Answer 20

Immediate raise in BG levels
Drop later on

Question 21

What should type 1 diabetics do in terms of their insulin when they exercise?

Answer 21

Reduce insulin before and after
Eat more

Question 22

How much does smoking increase risks of diabetes?

Answer 22

1.5 times

Question 23

Can nicotine replacement be used in diabetes?

Answer 23

Yes

Question 24

What are some of the risks of using recreational drugs as a diabetic?

Answer 24

-Risks of DKA
-Seizures
-cardiotoxic
-Anxiousness
-Vomiting
-Munchies-> hyper/hypos
-Hyper/hypotension

Question 25

If a diabetic patient continued to use recreational drugs, what advice should be given?

Answer 25

-Avoid dehydration
-Monitor BG for highs and lows
-Do not omit insulin/carbs
-Munchies and control

Question 26

What are some of the risks of driving as a diabetic?

Answer 26

Risks of hypos, poor vision and neuropathy

Question 27

When would someone with diabetes need to inform DVLA?

Answer 27

If they are on insulin

Question 28

Who needs to be informed if you have any type of diabetes?

Answer 28

Insurance

Question 29

If you have a hypo, how long after correcting the hypo should you not drive?

Answer 29

45mins after correcting the hypo

Question 30

Before driving, what do type 1 diabetics have to do?

Answer 30

Test their BG within the last 2hrs before driving

Question 31

Which occupations are diabetics not able to undertake?

Answer 31

Armed forces
Emergency services- depends on the service

Question 32

In which occupations is it up to the employer/individual if an employee with diabetes is able to continue?

Answer 32

Offshore oil
Shipping
Blue light rapid response drivers

Question 33

At the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes, it is recommended to take how much time off to allow for adjustments?

Answer 33

2 weeks

Question 34

List some hobbies/jobs that need careful consideration before doing as a diabetic.

Answer 34

Scuba diving
Scaffolder/window cleaner
Solo adventures/activities
Endurance sports
Taxi-driver
Emergency vehicle driver
Bus/lorry driver
Game keeper

Question 35

If taking insulin, abroad, what is important to note?

Answer 35

Do not put it in the hold of a plane as can freeze and become inactive