Knock Your Socks Off! Diabetes Awareness Quiz

1. Having diabetes makes my feet more susceptible to common infections, such as athlete's foot and fungal toenails.

True

False

True: The body’s decreased immune response in people with diabetes can make common foot infections more prevalent.

Explanation

True: The body’s decreased immune response in people with diabetes can make common foot infections more prevalent.

2. People with diabetes may experience elevated temperatures on their feet called hot spots, which can lead to the formation of ulcers.

True

False

True: Podiatric research has shown that people with diabetes may experience a rise in temperature in certain areas of the feet, which can lead to the formation of diabetic ulcers without medical treatment. As a preventative measure, a foot thermometer can indicate when foot temperatures are ripe for possible ulcer formation.

Explanation

True: Podiatric research has shown that people with diabetes may experience a rise in temperature in certain areas of the feet, which can lead to the formation of diabetic ulcers without medical treatment. As a preventative measure, a foot thermometer can indicate when foot temperatures are ripe for possible ulcer formation.

3. As long as my feet don't hurt, I don't need to visit a podiatrist.

True

False

False: Diabetes can lead to loss of sensation or numbness of the extremities. This means you may not feel the pain, even if there is a significant problem. Any noticeable change in the feet such as redness, swelling, sores that don’t heal, loss of hair, or scaly skin may indicate a more serious problem.

Explanation

False: Diabetes can lead to loss of sensation or numbness of the extremities. This means you may not feel the pain, even if there is a significant problem. Any noticeable change in the feet such as redness, swelling, sores that don’t heal, loss of hair, or scaly skin may indicate a more serious problem.

4. Hispanic Americans are at an increased risk of developing diabetes.

True

False

According to the CDC 2011 National Diabetes Fact Sheet - The risk of diagnosed diabetes was 66% higher among Hispanics, than among non-Hispanic whites.

Explanation

According to the CDC 2011 National Diabetes Fact Sheet - The risk of diagnosed diabetes was 66% higher among Hispanics, than among non-Hispanic whites.

5. The majority of lower limb amputations performed in the U.S. are due to foot complications caused by diabetes.

True

False

True: More than 60% of nontraumatic lower-limb amputations occur in people with diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Additionally, foot wounds, ulcers, and infections are the most common reason for hospitalization of people with diabetes.

Explanation

True: More than 60% of nontraumatic lower-limb amputations occur in people with diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA). Additionally, foot wounds, ulcers, and infections are the most common reason for hospitalization of people with diabetes.

6. Medicare will sometimes cover the cost of special footwear for people with diabetes.

True

False

True: Medicare coverage can often be confusing. Ask your doctor about Medicare coverage for shoes specially made for people with diabetes. Many podiatrists also participate in a special custom shoe program that certain patients with diabetes may qualify for.

Explanation

True: Medicare coverage can often be confusing. Ask your doctor about Medicare coverage for shoes specially made for people with diabetes. Many podiatrists also participate in a special custom shoe program that certain patients with diabetes may qualify for.

7. People with diabetes should never go barefoot.

True

False

True: People with diabetes should always wear proper, well-fitted socks and shoes in order to prevent injury and protect the feet.

Explanation

True: People with diabetes should always wear proper, well-fitted socks and shoes in order to prevent injury and protect the feet.

8. My primary care doctor will tell me everything I need to know about foot care if I have diabetes.

True

False

False: Diabetes is a complicated disease, affecting many different parts of the body. For this reason, your diabetes treatment team should include various specialists who focus on different areas from head to toe, including a podiatrist.

Explanation

False: Diabetes is a complicated disease, affecting many different parts of the body. For this reason, your diabetes treatment team should include various specialists who focus on different areas from head to toe, including a podiatrist.

9. If a person with diabetes develops a diabetic ulcer, an amputation is likely.

True

False

False: There are several effective treatment options available to avoid an amputation, including vascular intervention, comprehensive wound care, infection management, and properly fitting footwear. However, the earlier the wound is detected and treated by today’s podiatrist, the greater the probability an amputation can be prevented.

Explanation

False: There are several effective treatment options available to avoid an amputation, including vascular intervention, comprehensive wound care, infection management, and properly fitting footwear. However, the earlier the wound is detected and treated by today’s podiatrist, the greater the probability an amputation can be prevented.

10. Where does diabetes rank in regards to causes of death in the U.S.?

First

Tenth

Fifth

Seventh

According to 2011 CDC data, diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.

Explanation

According to 2011 CDC data, diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the United States.