Diabetes Mellitus: Types, Diagnosis & MCQs for Exams
By Health Plus
Introduction
Diabetes Mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by high levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood. It occurs when the body either does not produce enough insulin or cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone responsible for regulating blood sugar levels.
Diabetes is one of the most common lifestyle diseases worldwide and is increasing rapidly due to poor diet, lack of physical activity, and stress.
Types of Diabetes
1. Type 1 Diabetes
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system attacks insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. As a result, little or no insulin is produced.
It usually develops in children and young adults. Patients require lifelong insulin therapy for survival.
2. Type 2 Diabetes
Type 2 diabetes is the most common form of diabetes. In this condition, the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce enough insulin.
It is commonly associated with obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and genetic factors. It usually develops in adults but is now increasingly seen in younger individuals.
3. Gestational Diabetes
Gestational diabetes occurs during pregnancy and usually disappears after childbirth. However, it increases the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes later in life.
4. Prediabetes
Prediabetes is a condition where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not high enough to be classified as diabetes. It is a warning stage and can be reversed with lifestyle changes.
Symptoms of Diabetes
Common symptoms include frequent urination, excessive thirst, increased hunger, fatigue, blurred vision, and slow healing of wounds. In severe cases, weight loss and infections may occur.
Tests for Diabetes
Diagnosis of diabetes is done through various blood tests:
1. Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS) Test
Measures blood glucose after fasting for at least 8 hours.
Normal: Below 100 mg/dL
Diabetes: 126 mg/dL or higher
2. Postprandial Blood Sugar (PPBS) Test
Measures blood sugar 2 hours after eating.
Normal: Below 140 mg/dL
Diabetes: Above 200 mg/dL
3. HbA1c Test
HbA1c Test measures average blood sugar levels over the past 2–3 months.
Normal: Below 5.7%
Diabetes: 6.5% or higher
4. Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test checks how the body processes glucose over time. It is especially used in diagnosing gestational diabetes.
Management and Prevention
Diabetes can be managed through lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, balanced diet, weight control, and stress management. Medications and insulin therapy may be required depending on the type and severity.
MCQs for Competitive Exams
1. Diabetes Mellitus is primarily a disorder of:
A. Protein metabolism
B. Fat metabolism
C. Carbohydrate metabolism
D. Mineral metabolism
Answer: C
2. Which type of diabetes is insulin-dependent?
A. Type 2
B. Gestational
C. Type 1
D. Prediabetes
Answer: C
3. Normal fasting blood sugar level is:
A. 70–100 mg/dL
B. 120–150 mg/dL
C. 150–200 mg/dL
D. Above 200 mg/dL
Answer: A
4. HbA1c test reflects blood glucose levels of:
A. 1 day
B. 1 week
C. 2–3 months
D. 1 year
Answer: C
5. Which test is most suitable for diagnosing gestational diabetes?
A. FBS
B. PPBS
C. OGTT
D. Random blood sugar
Answer: C
6. Which hormone regulates blood glucose level?
A. Thyroxine
B. Insulin
C. Adrenaline
D. Cortisol
Answer: B
7. Which of the following is a symptom of diabetes?
A. Weight gain
B. Excessive thirst
C. Low blood pressure
D. Hair fall
Answer: B
8. Prediabetes means:
A. No diabetes
B. Severe diabetes
C. Early stage with high risk
D. Genetic disease
Answer: C
9. Which type of diabetes occurs during pregnancy?
A. Type 1
B. Type 2
C. Gestational
D. Secondary
Answer: C
10. Diabetes is caused due to deficiency of:
A. Hemoglobin
B. Insulin
C. Calcium
D. Vitamin D
Answer: B
Conclusion
Diabetes is a serious but manageable disease. Early diagnosis through proper testing and awareness of its types can help prevent complications. Adopting a healthy lifestyle is the key to controlling and even preventing diabetes.
Health Plus emphasizes that prevention, early detection, and proper management are the pillars of a healthy life.