Teen Diabetes Quiz Answers

1. Answer: B
   Diabetes causes your blood glucose to be too high. Glucose comes from the food you eat and is needed to fuel our bodies. Glucose is also stored in our liver and muscles. Your blood always has some glucose in it because your body needs glucose for energy. But having too much glucose in your blood isn't healthy.
2. Answer: A
   There are three main types of diabetes. In type 1 diabetes, the cells in the pancreas that make insulin are destroyed. If you have type 1 diabetes, you need to get insulin from shots or a pump everyday. In type 2 diabetes, the pancreas still makes some insulin but cells cannot use it very well. If you have type 2 diabetes, you may need to take insulin or pills to help your body use its glucose better. Gestational diabetes is another type of diabetes that can occur during pregnancy.
3. Answer: E
   The best way to keep your blood glucose close to your target range is to make healthy food choices, be active everyday, and stay at a healthy weight. You also need to take your medicines (including insulin) and check your blood glucose as planned with your health care team.
4. Answer: D
   Eating a balance of foods that contain carbohydrates (carbs for short), protein, and fat every day will help keep your blood glucose close to your target range. It may also keep your weight where you and your doctor want it to be. Check with your health care team about how much carb, protein, and fat you should eat.
5. Answer: A
   Small amounts of foods that contain sugar can be part of a healthy meal plan. Desserts such as cakes, pies, cookies, and ice cream contain a lot of fat as well as sugar. If you choose to eat any of these sweet foods, just have a small amount at the end of a healthy meal. Talk to your health care team about how sweet foods can fit into your meal plan.
6. Answer: B
   Some carbs are better for you than others. Choose fiber-rich carbs like whole grain foods and fresh fruits and vegetables from every color of the rainbow. Choose carbs like white bread and white rice, sweetened fruit drinks, and sugary desserts less often. If you eat too many carbs at one time, your blood glucose may get too high. Ask your health care team to help you plan how many carbs to eat each day to keep your blood glucose in balance.
7. Answer: E
   Being active is an important part of a healthy lifestyle—whether your have diabetes or not. It can give you more energy and help you focus in school. If you haven't been very active in the past, start slowly. Don't get upset if you can't do a lot or if you get out of breath at first—keep moving. Pick something you like, such as riding a bike, roller blading, or dancing. Slowly work up to at least 60 minutes everyday. You might find it fun to count your steps with a pedometer (step counter). Add a few more steps each day—try to reach 10,000 steps a day.
8. Answer: D
   Packing your lunch at home the night before is one way to eat healthy foods at school. Use leftovers from dinner or make a tuna sandwich and add raw carrots and a piece of fruit. If you buy a hot lunch, select foods that fit into your meal plan and steer clear of fried foods. Choose small deli sandwiches or subs made with lean meats like turkey with mustard or a little low-fat mayonnaise and drink nonfat or low-fat milk. If there is a salad bar, choose a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits and use a small amount of low-calorie dressing. Try not to be tempted by vending machines—they often provide foods that are high in fat and calories. It is important that you eat regular meals and snacks every day to keep your blood glucose close to your target range.
9. Answer: C
   If you are overweight, being more active and cutting some calories will help you get to a healthy weight. Eating smaller portions of food can help, too. For example, pick a regular hamburger instead of one that is super-sized. Going on a very low-calorie or fad diet is not a healthy way to lose weight. You do not have to buy you own gym equipment or go to a gym to be physically active. Pick things you like to do, such as hiking, riding a bike, or roller blading. Staying at a healthy weight as a teen may help you control your weight for life.
10. Answer: C
    Some types of fats are better for you than others. They help keep your heart healthy. Choose heart-healthy fats like a ¼ cup of nuts or one slice of avocado. Fats like chicken skin, whole milk, and butter are not heart-healthy fats. When you drink milk, pick low-fat or nonfat milk. Remember that all fats have lots of calories, so you need to limit your portion sizes as in your meal plan.
11. Answer: D
    It's important to be active every day! Physical activity can make you feel better if you are in a bad mood or stressed out. It also helps your body use blood glucose for energy. Start with a little, and then add more by choosing an activity you enjoy. You don't have to play a sport or go to a gym. Ask your family members and friends to do something fun with you—take a walk after dinner instead of watching TV and playing video games, or put on a CD and dance. Going for a walk on the weekend or swimming at the beach in the summer are great additions to your daily physical activity.
12. Answer: B
    You can eat at fast-food restaurants, just not every day. When you do, don't "super-size" it. Choose a simple hamburger rather than a burger covered with sauce, cheese, and bacon. Add a baked potato with a small serving of sour cream or a small serving of fries. Choose a small salad with low-calorie dressing. Meals that are healthy for teens with diabetes are great for everyone—you, your family, and your friends.
13. Answer: E
    There are many reasons why teens get type 2 diabetes. Being overweight puts you at risk for type 2 diabetes. Having a family member with diabetes means that certain family genes increase the risk for type 2 diabetes. Some racial groups also have a greater chance of getting type 2 diabetes—American Indians, Alaska Natives, African Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Asian Americans, and Pacific Islanders. Genes also appear to interact with things like viruses and toxins in the environment to cause type 1 diabetes. Studies are being done to identify the causes of type 1 diabetes and in the future researchers might be able to prevent or delay the onset of the disease.
14. Answer: B
    It's good that you know these feelings are normal. Lots of teens that have diabetes feel the same way. It's okay to get angry, feel sad, or think you're different every now and then. But then you need to take charge and do something to feel better. It's okay to ask for help. Talk to someone in your family or where you worship, a friend, a school counselor, teacher, or your doctor or diabetes educator. If you still feel down or sad, ask your parents to help you find a counselor.

Winter 2008 Issue: Volume 3 Number 1 Page 16