- Physical Examination
- Surgical Examination
- Ophthalmology
- Clinical Skills
- Orthopedics
- Surgery Videos
- Laparoscopy
- Pediatrics
- Funny Videos
- Cardiothoracic Surgery
- Nursing Videos
- Plastic Surgery
- Otorhinolaryngology
- Histology and Histopathology
- Neurosurgery
- Dermatology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Urology
- Dentistry
- Oncology and Cancers
- Anatomy Videos
- Health and Fitness
- Radiology
- Anaesthesia
- Physical Therapy
- Pharmacology
- Interventional Radiology
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Gynecology
- Emergency Medicine
- Psychiatry and Psychology
- Childbirth Videos
- General Medical Videos
- Nephrology
- Physiology
- Diet and Food Health
- Diabetes Mellitus
- Neurology
- Women Health
- Osteoporosis
- Gastroenterology
- Pulmonology
- Hematology
- Rheumatology
- Toxicology
- Nuclear Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Vascular Disease
- Reproductive Health
- Burns and Wound Healing
- Kidney Zone Podcast
- Other
Diabetes Essentials
Diabetes is one of the most common long-term conditions in the world, and understanding a few essentials makes it far less mysterious: how type 1 differs from type 2, what the HbA1c test actually measures, what low blood sugar feels like, and why the kidneys and feet get special attention. This quiz covers those five essentials. It is general education — diabetes care is individual, and your own team's advice about your targets and treatment always comes first.
✓ Medically reviewed by Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim, MD, PhD — physician-scientist · Last reviewed: October 2026
How it works: five questions, one best answer each. Tap an answer and you will see straight away whether it is right, with a short explanation of the reasoning. Your score builds as you go — there is no timer and no account needed.
Question 1 of 5
What is the key difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes?
In type 1 diabetes, autoimmune damage stops the pancreas making insulin, so insulin treatment is essential from diagnosis. In type 2, body tissues become resistant to insulin and production gradually falls behind need. Both raise blood glucose, but they differ in cause and typical management.
Question 2 of 5
The HbA1c blood test reflects…
HbA1c measures glucose attached to haemoglobin inside red blood cells. Because red cells live for about three months, the result reflects average blood glucose over the previous two to three months — which is why it is the standard monitoring test.
Question 3 of 5
Which group of symptoms is typical of low blood glucose (hypoglycaemia)?
Low blood glucose commonly causes shakiness, sweating, pallor, hunger, a racing heart and difficulty thinking clearly. These warning symptoms are why people whose treatment can cause hypoglycaemia learn to recognise them early and follow the response plan agreed with their own care team.
Question 4 of 5
A urine ACR test (albumin-to-creatinine ratio) in diabetes care screens for early damage to which organ?
Small amounts of the protein albumin leaking into the urine are one of the earliest signs of diabetic kidney damage, often long before any symptoms appear. ACR screening, together with the eGFR blood test, is a routine part of diabetes monitoring.
Question 5 of 5
Why are daily foot checks especially important for people with diabetes?
Diabetes can damage the nerves in the feet, reducing sensation, and can also impair circulation. A small cut or blister may go unnoticed and heal slowly, so a daily look at the feet catches problems while they are still small and easy to treat.
Your result
Keep learning
Type 2 Diabetes — Condition HubCauses, symptoms, monitoring and living with type 2 diabetes, with guides and videos.Open → BMI CalculatorWork out body mass index from height and weight — one of the risk measures used in diabetes care.Open → Urine ACR Calculator — Kidney ScreeningSee how the albumin-to-creatinine ratio is calculated and what the result bands mean.Open →Frequently asked questions
Does eating sugar cause diabetes?
Not directly in the simple way the myth suggests. Type 1 is an autoimmune condition unrelated to diet. Type 2 develops through a mix of genetics, body weight, activity and other factors; diets high in sugar can contribute to weight gain, which raises risk, but no single food causes the condition on its own.
What is the difference between a finger-prick glucose and HbA1c?
A finger-prick (or sensor) reading shows the glucose level at that moment — useful for day-to-day decisions. HbA1c shows the average over the previous two to three months — useful for judging overall control and long-term risk. The two numbers answer different questions, so both are used.
These quizzes are for learning only. They are not medical advice, cannot diagnose anything, and do not replace assessment by a qualified clinician. If you have symptoms now — especially chest pain, severe abdominal pain, or sudden weakness or speech problems — seek urgent medical care.