TRUE OR FALSE
This month, on 14 November, it’s World Diabetes Day. A lot of people have type 2 diabetes without realising. But how much do you know about it? Test your knowledge by answering our True or False quiz...
1 Only fat people get type 2 diabetes.
☐ True ☐ False
2 Type 2 diabetes can cause heart disease.
☐ True ☐ False
3There are no medicines for type 2 diabetes.
☐ True ☐ False
4 Type 2 diabetes has no symptoms.
☐ True ☐ False
5 There is no cure for type 2 diabetes.
☐ True ☐ False
1. FALSE People who are overweight or obese are at more risk of getting type 2 diabetes, but the condition does not exclusively affect overweight people. You’re also more at risk of getting the condition if you are over 40, have a close relative with diabetes such as a parent or sibling, or if you are of Asian, African-caribbean or black African origin.
2. TRUE If you do have type 2 diabetes, you need to keep a close eye on your health and have regular check-ups. As well as heart disease, type 2 diabetes can lead to stroke, nerve damage, foot problems, vision loss and blindness, kidney problems and miscarriage or still birth. Controlling your blood sugar level is the best way to lower your risk of complications.
3. FALSE There are many types of medicine for type 2 diabetes, but it can take time to find a medicine and dose that’s right for you. Diabetes medicines help to lower the amount of sugar in your blood. Your GP or diabetes nurse will recommend the best ones. Insulin is not often used for type 2 diabetes.
4. FALSE Many people can live with type 2 diabetes without realising, as the symptoms might not make you feel unwell. But there are signs to look out for – including peeing more than usual, especially at night time; feeling very thirsty; feeling very tired; unexplained weight loss; itching around the genital area or repeated thrush; cuts or wounds that take longer to heal; blurred vision.
5. TRUE Type 2 diabetes can’t be cured, but it can be controlled and, in some cases, reversed. Often, a healthy lifestyle can be enough to control blood sugar levels. When you’re in remission, it doesn’t mean your diabetes is gone for good, just that your blood sugar levels are in a normal range – so it’s still important to get regular check-ups.