Lifestyle and Healthy Living - Diabetes

Question 1

BMI for overweight and obese?

Answer 1

OW - 25+

OB - 30+

Question 2

What is the relevance of the apple vs pear shape?

Answer 2

Apple - more visceral fat and higher risk of weight related health problems

Question 3

Why does alcohol excess increase the risk of diabetes?

Answer 3

Damage to pancreas

Question 4

What is the main dietary component that needs monitoring in diabetic patients?

Answer 4

Carbohydrates

Simple carbohydrates have to be eaten in moderation - to manage glycaemic control

Question 5

What is the measurement of how quickly sugar enters the blood after digestion?

Answer 5

Glycaemic index

Question 6

What does quick acting insulin dose depend on?

Answer 6

The carbohydrate in the food that the patient is about to eat

Question 7

What is diabulimia?

Answer 7

Combination of diabetes and an eating disorder

Question 8

What is associated with diabulimia?

Answer 8

Recurrent DKA

Insulin omission

High morbidity and mortality

Question 9

What is the effect of alcohol on blood sugar?

Answer 9

Alcohol reduces glycogenolysis

Alcohol contains calories - results in rise followed by a fall in glucose

More than 2-3 units at a time increases the risk of a hypo

Question 10

What is the guidace about alcohol for those who are diabetic?

Answer 10

Eat before and snack at bedtime

Same limit as general population

Question 11

What are the risks attached to smoking?

Answer 11

Smokers die 10 years before non-smokers

Smoking increases the risk of diabetes and macrovascular disease

Smoking increases the risk of all complications

Question 12

What is the current advice for diabetic patients who are wanting to use recreational drugs?

Answer 12

Avoid dehydration

Monitor glucose

Do not omit insulin/carbohydrate

Question 13

What are the general recommended levels of exercise for the general population?

Answer 13

Moderate exercise 2.5 - 3 hours per week
OR

Vigorous exercise 75 mins per week
PLUS
Strength training on 2 or more days

More exercise is more protective

Children should do 60mins a day

Question 14

How do people with diabetes alter management when performing exercise?

Answer 14

Reduce insulin before and after

Eat more

Use different insulin regimen

Question 15

What are the limitations for driving if you have diabetes?

Answer 15

Have to renew liscence every three years

Blood sugar test has to be at least two hours before and has to be repeated every two hours when driving

Take CHO in the vehicle and test if on insulin

Do not drive for 45 mins after hypo

Question 16

What are the limitations for employment if the patient has diabetes?

Answer 16

No armed forces or plice jobs but it is up to the employer

Offshore limiting but increasing

Question 17

What considerations have to be made when going on holiday if you are diabetic?

Answer 17

Monitor glucose
Drink fluids
Avoid risks of gastroenteritis
Do NOT put insulin in the hold
Adjust insulin to cross time zones