Hey Hive community! This week seemed like it wasn't willing to end. But finally, thank God it is the weekend. Are you ready to dive into the answers to this week's trivia questions?🩺💡
Friday
Question:
Which cardiovascular complication is most commonly associated with diabetes?
- A) Atrial fibrillation
- B) Heart failure
- C) Myocardial infarction ✅
- D) Pulmonary embolism
Answer: Myocardial infarction (heart attack).
Why?
People with diabetes are more likely to developing coronary artery disease, a condition where fatty deposits clog the arteries supplying the heart. Over time, this increases the risk of heart attacks, often without typical symptoms (a silent MI). Chronic high blood sugar damages blood vessels and nerves, which is a precursor for these complications. So, heart health is a big deal for people with diabetes.
Thursday
Question:
Diabetic patients are at an increased risk of infections due to:
- A) Reduced insulin levels
- B) Impaired neutrophil function ✅
- C) Hyperactive immune response
- D) High red blood cell count
Answer: Impaired neutrophil function.
Why?
Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that helps fight infections. Diabetes can weaken their function, reducing the immune system’s ability to respond to infections effectively. High blood sugar also creates an environment that promotes the growth of harmful bacteria and fungi. This combination makes diabetic patients more prone to infections like UTIs, skin infections, and pneumonia.
Wednesday
Question:
What is the most common microvascular complication of diabetes?
- A) Retinopathy ✅
- B) Neuropathy
- C) Nephropathy
- D) Cardiomyopathy
Answer: Retinopathy.
Why?
Diabetic retinopathy happens when high blood sugar damages the tiny blood vessels in the retina (the light-sensitive part of your eye). It’s the leading cause of blindness in adults and one of the first complications to appear in uncontrolled diabetes. Regular eye exams are crucial to catching it early and preserving vision! The eyes seem to be one of the early places where the effect of diabetes is seen because the eyes seem to have very tiny blood vessels that are easily damaged by high blood sugar levels.
Tuesday
Question:
Which condition doubles the risk of a silent MI?
- A) Diabetes ✅
- B) Hypertension
- C) Obesity
- D) Smoking
Answer: Diabetes.
Why?
Diabetes-related nerve damage (neuropathy) can interfere with the nerves that transmit pain signals, so a heart attack may occur without the usual chest pain or discomfort. This is what makes silent MIs so dangerous—people often don’t realize they’re having one until complications arise.
Monday
Question:
Why are people with diabetes at higher risk for silent Myocardial Infarction?
- A) Nerve damage (neuropathy) ✅
- B) Increased cholesterol
- C) Low blood sugar
- D) Chronic dehydration
Answer: Nerve damage (neuropathy).
Why?
Diabetic neuropathy doesn’t just affect your feet or hands—it can also destroy the nerves that sense pain in your heart. This means the usual warning signs of a heart attack, like chest pain or pressure, may not show up. That’s why regular check-ups and cardiovascular screening are so important for people with diabetes.
Final Thoughts 💭
Diabetes isn’t just about blood sugar; it’s a condition that impacts the whole body. From silent heart attacks to increased infection risks, understanding these complications empowers people and healthcare professionals to take active steps toward prevention and early treatment.
What did you think of this week’s trivia? Share your thoughts and let's keep spreading awareness! 💙
