Question 1: What is the function of the body's immune system?

A: It protects against harmful viruses and bacteria

B: It helps other organs to function properly

C: It provides the strength to stay healthy

Answer:

B, C: Close, but not quite. The immune system functions as the body's natural defense against bacteria, fungi, and toxins. It is a network of cells and tissues which guards against harmful viruses.

A: That's right! The immune system functions as the body's natural defense against bacteria, fungi, and toxins. It is a network of cells and tissues which guards against harmful viruses.

Question 2: How does the immune system affect your chances of getting sick when living with diabetes?

A: Immunity increases the effect of insulin 

B: Immunity reduces blood glucose levels 

C: Immunity is impaired by high blood glucose levels

Answer:

A, B: Not quite. While living with diabetes, an immune response to high blood glucose levels can damage the pancreas' ability to produce insulin. This results in hyperglycemia which affects the immune function in fighting off viruses.

C: Correct. Hyperglycemia, which is high blood glucose levels, affects the immune function in fighting off viruses.

Question 3: Does living with diabetes mean you have compromised immunity?

A: It depends

B: Yes

C: No

Answer: 

B, C: Almost there. In general, people with diabetes have a higher risk of infections than those without diabetes. However, people who have good control of their blood sugar levels have lower risks than those with poorly controlled blood sugar levels. Hence, it is important in this “new normal” for people living with diabetes to manage their glucose levels well and strengthen their immunity.

A: Correct. In general, people with diabetes have a higher risk of infections than those without diabetes. However, people who have good control of their blood sugar levels have lower risks than those with poorly controlled blood sugar levels. Hence, it is important in this “new normal” for people living with diabetes to manage their glucose levels well and strengthen their immunity.

Question 4: How can you strengthen your immune system when living with diabetes?

A: Eat a healthy diet

B: Exercise regularly

C: Quit bad habits like smoking, drinking alcohol excessively

D. Take prescribed medicine

E: All of the above

Answer:

A, B, C, D: Close one. 

E: That’s right! Here's how all the options can help strengthen your immunity:

• Omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, tuna) and vitamin C (oranges, broccoli) can help boost immunity¹
• Exercising for about 30 minutes, 4 times a week can reduce body inflammation²
• Smoking increases the risk of respiratory infections³, while binge drinking alcohol (more than 5-6 drinks at a time) prevents immune cells from functioning well⁴
• Diabetes-specific nutritional supplements can help keep your blood glucose within a healthy range. A survey^ by Hello Health Group showed that 3 in 5 of those living with diabetes opt for extra dietary supplements to boost their immunity in the “new normal.” 

^The survey was commissioned by Abbott and conducted by Hello Health Group from May to July 2021 across Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, India, and Taiwan with 771 respondents who live with type 2 diabetes.

¹ Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Diabetes Mellitus: Gift from the Sea?; American Diabetes Association, https://diabetes.diabetesjournals.org/content/38/5/539

² Physical Activity/Exercise and Diabetes: A Position Statement of the American Diabetes Association; American Diabetes Association, https://care.diabetesjournals.org/content/39/11/2065

³ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5352117/

⁴ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4590612/

Question 5: What lifestyle changes can you make to improve your immune system in the long run?

A: Practice portion control and consume well-balanced meals

B: Consult a healthcare professional about exercise and meal plans

C: Manage stress effectively

D: All of the above

Answer:

A, B, C: Close, but not quite.

D: Great job! Here's how each option can help: 

• Choosing foods with the right micronutrients can help support blood sugar management. Portion control and well-balanced meals can help you be in control of the condition and ultimately help with immunity
• A healthcare professional would be best to advise you on exercise and diet that’s right for you. This can help control diabetes and improve immunity
• When you're stressed, blood sugar levels can increase. Managing it with activities like yoga may help control diabetes and shore up immunity

A strong immunity can help with your goal of staying clear from illnesses, not just in the “new normal.” Put all the tips you've learned in this quiz into practice, and you're all set!

Question 1: What approach should you take in managing diabetes if you have been living with it for some time?

A: Immediately begin on a plan that you and your loved ones devise

B. Make drastic changes to lifestyle and diet

C. Consult a healthcare professional to come up with a plan that works for you

Answer: 

A, B: Not quite.

C: Absolutely! A healthcare professional can help you come up with an overall management plan that's tailored to your condition, overall health, and needs. Regular monitoring of blood glucose can help monitor your progress too.

Question 2: How do you figure out an exercise plan that could help you manage diabetes?

A: Begin on a workout that others who live with diabetes are doing

B: Understand your physical ability before deciding on an exercise plan

C: Immediately start an exercise plan that works for family or friends

Answer: 

A, C: Close, but not there.

B: That's right! Before trying out any exercise, it would be best to speak to your healthcare professional to know your options. Then, remember to ease into any form of exercise. The goal is to be kind to yourself and gradually get into the rhythm of an exercise routine. Then, coupled with a well-balanced diet plan, you’ll be right on track.

Question 3: What would be your approach to come up with a meal plan to help manage diabetes?

A: Include your favorite items in daily meal consumption

B: Seek help from a healthcare professional for a meal plan with complete and balanced nutrition that’s customized for you 

C: Generally include more healthy items into daily consumption based on research

Answer: 

A, C: Almost there.

B: Correct! It's important to figure out a meal plan that is effective for you. Start by speaking to a healthcare professional about the right meal plan and supplements for you. While testing out what works, you'd be able to find a winning plan for the long run.

Question 4: How can you maintain a stress-free environment to manage diabetes effectively?

A: Practice yoga and other methods of relaxation

B: Talk to a loved one or close friend

C: Organize a meal plan that suits you and your tastes

D: All of the above

Answer: 

A, B, C: Almost there.

D: Exactly! Here's how each option can help:

• Practicing yoga and other relaxation methods for 5-10 minutes daily can help reduce stress.
• Talking to someone close and knowing that they are there with you on this journey can keep you motivated.
• Getting your meal plan organized can provide a sense of relief. Meal plans can also include diabetes-specific supplements. A survey^ by Hello Health Group showed that 1 in 2 of those living with diabetes across Southeast Asia takes specialized nutritional supplements to manage their diabetes.

^The survey was commissioned by Abbott and conducted by Hello Health Group from May to July 2021 across Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, India, and Taiwan with 771 respondents who live with type 2 diabetes.

Question 5: What are other significant aspects of keeping your motivation up to help manage diabetes effectively?

A: Meeting up with close friends or family to share ideas and support each other

B: Doing regular activities and catching ups with loved ones

C: Asking for help when needed

D: All of the above

Answer: 

A, B, C: Not quite.

D: Precisely! Meeting up with those closest to you allows everyone to share their ups and downs to be each other's support system. In addition, organizing regular family activities such as game nights or outings can motivate you to keep going. Last but not the least, ask for help. Those around you who cherish and love you want nothing more than to see you healthy and happy.

Managing diabetes effectively need not be a solo effort. Letting those close to you be involved is important as the support you gather will go a long way. Managing diabetes via complete and balanced nutrition can be a team effort!