This document addresses frequently asked questions about diabetes, including that there are three main types; where insulin injections can be administered; that diabetes is not contagious; common type 1 diabetes symptoms; blood and urine tests to diagnose it; how diabetes does not necessarily limit physical activity when managed; normal blood glucose ranges vary by individual; recommended frequency for checking blood glucose levels; the differences between insulin injections and pumps; and that people with diabetes need to see their doctor more regularly for monitoring of health complications.

2. How many types of diabetes are there?
Where do you inject insulin?
Is diabetes contagious?
What are some symptoms for type 1 diabetes?
What tests can be preformed to be able to diagnose the disease?
Does diabetes limit your physical activities?
What would a healthy blood glucose be?
How often do you check your blood glucose level?
What’s the difference between insulin injections and the insulin pump?
What are the pros and cons for injections and pumps?
Do you have to get checked by the doctor more often because of diabetes?

3. How many types of diabetes are there?
• Type 1- which is genetic and mostly occurs in young
people
• Type 2- which occurs in obese adult
• Gestational- which occurs in pregnant women, but
disappears after she gives birth
FAQ

4. Where do you inject insulin?
• Upper arms
• Thighs
• Stomach
• Lower back
FAQ

5. Is diabetes contagious?
“It’s genetic, so no I can’t touch you and give it to you.
Although, it could be hereditary.”
FAQ

6. What are some symptoms for type 1
diabetes?
• Frequent urination
• Thirst
• Blurred vision
• Clamminess
FAQ

7. What tests can be preformed to be
able to diagnose the disease?
“Blood tests and urine tests”
FAQ

8. Does diabetes limit your physical activities?
“If you monitor your blood sugar and pay
attention to how you’re feeling, absolutely
not. I’ve played soccer for 11 years.”
FAQ

9. What would a healthy blood glucose be?
“It depends on your height, weight, and age. But
it can’t be too high (hyperglycemia) or too low
(hyperglycemia).”
FAQ

10. How often do you check your blood
glucose level?
“I check mine 4-6 times a day; this helps me
keep track of whether I need food or an insulin
injection.”
FAQ

11. What’s the difference between insulin
injections and the insulin pump?
“Insulin injections are taken every time I
eat. The pump has a site (catheter)
which stays in the body for three days.
So it’s either take a shot every time you
eat or press a few buttons and send the
insulin into your body without pain.”
FAQ

12. What are the pros and cons for
injections and pumps?
FAQ
Pros Cons Pros Cons
More variety for Stick yourself Gets in the way with
injection site Does math for you sports and playing
more often around
Length of needle If you put the site in a
Figure out It disconnects for
bad location, you
can vary to dosages swimming/ shower/
have to do it over
needs + wants sports
again
You have a tube
Less work and attached from the
Length of needle can
injection site to your
supplies needed vary to needs + wants
pump (gets in the
way)

13. Do you have to get checked by the doctor
more often because of diabetes?
“Yes. Diabetes affects a lot. Kidneys, eyes, ears,
pancreas, and touch/feeling.
“I go pretty often to get checked on whether or
not I’m managing it properly.”
FAQ