Diabetes Quiz

When untreated or poorly controlled, diabetes has serious consequences. Diabetes increases a person's risk of developing hypertension and atherosclerosis (hardening/narrowing of the arteries), which eventually lead to heart disease.

Diabetes is a condition caused when the body fails to keep glucose levels in check.

While there are medications that lower blood sugar levels in Type 2 diabetes, weight control, meal planning and exercise are also necessary to treat the disease.

The pancreas continues to make insulin in Type 2 diabetes, but either the quantity is insufficient or the body becomes resistant to it.

Type 2 diabetes is more common among blacks, Hispanics, Pacific Islanders, Asian Americans and American Indians.

Because the pancreas in Type 1 diabetics ceases to make insulin, they must take insulin injections to properly utilize the glucose in the bloodstream.

Since obesity in the major cause of Type 2 diabetes, weight loss is often recommended. In fact, weight loss can help people with Type 2 diabetes control the disease and even decrease the need for medication.

Diabetic retinopathy, a disease in the retina of the eye that can cause blindness, is a complication of poorly controlled diabetes.

Excessive thirst and hunger are common symptoms of diabetes. Also, symptoms of fatigue, abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting are common.

Type 1 diabetes is rare in most Asian, African and American Indian populations but more common in whites. Type 1 diabetes is also more common in children and adults less that 30 years old, but it can appear at any age.