Diabetes: Questions & Answers

Q1: What is diabetes?

A: Diabetes is a chronic condition where the body has trouble using sugar (glucose) for energy. This happens because the body doesn’t make enough insulin or doesn’t use insulin properly. As a result, blood sugar levels stay too high.

Q4: What health risks are linked to diabetes?

A: Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to:

• Heart disease and stroke

• Kidney damage

• Vision loss

• Nerve damage (neuropathy)

• Poor wound healing and foot problems

Q2: What are the types of diabetes?

A

• Type 1 diabetes – The body makes little or no insulin. Usually starts in childhood or young adulthood.

• Type 2 diabetes – The body doesn’t use insulin well. This is the most common type, often linked to weight, age, and family history.

• Gestational diabetes – Develops during pregnancy and usually goes away after birth, but increases future risk of type 2 diabetes.

Q5: How is diabetes managed?

A: Management focuses on keeping blood sugar in a healthy range. This may include:

• Healthy eating and regular physical activity

• Blood sugar monitoring

• Medications or insulin

• Regular checkups to prevent complications

With proper care, people with diabetes can live long and healthy lives.

Q3: What symptoms should I watch for?

A: Common symptoms include:

• Increased thirst and urination

• Unexplained weight loss

• Fatigue

• Blurred vision

• Slow-healing wounds or frequent infections

Sometimes type 2 diabetes develops silently with no early symptoms.

Hypertension: Questions & Answers

Q1: What is hypertension?

A: Hypertension means consistently high blood pressure in the arteries. It forces the heart to work harder to pump blood and, if untreated, can damage blood vessels and organs.

Q4: What health risks are linked to hypertension?

A: If uncontrolled, hypertension can lead to:

• Heart attack and heart failure

• Stroke

• Kidney disease

• Vision loss

• Vascular dementia

Q2: Why is hypertension called the “silent killer”?

A: Most people with high blood pressure have no symptoms. It can quietly damage the heart, brain, kidneys, and eyes for years before problems appear, which is why regular checkups are important.

Q3: What causes hypertension?

A: Causes can include:

• Genetics and family history

• Aging

• Excess salt in the diet

• Being overweight or inactive

• Smoking or heavy alcohol use

• Stress

• Medical conditions such as kidney disease or sleep apnea

Q5: How is hypertension treated?

A: Treatment usually combines:

• Lifestyle changes (healthy diet, less salt, exercise, weight control, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, managing stress)

• Medications (if needed, often more than one)

• Regular monitoring of blood pressure at home and with your doctor

With proper care, blood pressure can often be controlled for life.

High Cholesterol: Questions & Answers

Q1: What is cholesterol?

A: Cholesterol is a waxy substance found in your blood. Your body needs some cholesterol to build cells and make hormones. But too much cholesterol can build up in your arteries and increase your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Q4: What causes high cholesterol?

A: Causes include:

• Genetics (family history)

• Eating foods high in saturated and trans fats

• Being overweight or physically inactive

• Smoking

• Medical conditions (like diabetes or hypothyroidism)

• Aging (cholesterol levels often rise with age)

Q2: What does “high cholesterol” mean?

A: High cholesterol means your blood has too much LDL (“bad”) cholesterol or not enough HDL (“good”) cholesterol. LDL can form plaque in the arteries, while HDL helps remove cholesterol from the bloodstream.

Q3: What health risks are linked to high cholesterol?

A: Over time, high cholesterol can lead to:

• Heart attack

• Stroke

• Peripheral artery disease

• Narrowing of arteries (atherosclerosis)

Q5: How is high cholesterol treated?

A: Treatment usually includes:

• Healthy lifestyle – heart-healthy diet, exercise, weight management, quitting smoking

• Medications – such as statins or other cholesterol-lowering drugs if lifestyle changes aren’t enough

• Regular monitoring – blood tests to track cholesterol levels

Depression: Questions & Answers

Q1: What is depression?

A: Depression is more than just feeling sad. It’s a medical condition that affects mood, thinking, energy, and daily life. It can last weeks to months or longer and often needs treatment.

Q3: What causes depression?

A: Depression has many causes, including:

• Biological: Chemical imbalances in the brain, hormones, genetics

• Psychological: Past trauma, stress, negative thought patterns

• Social: Loneliness, loss, relationship or financial difficulties
  Usually, it’s a combination of these factors.

Q2: What are the symptoms of depression?

A: Symptoms may include:

• Feeling sad, empty, or hopeless most of the time

• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed

• Changes in sleep (too much or too little)

• Changes in appetite or weight

• Fatigue or low energy

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

• Thoughts of death or suicide (in severe cases)

Q4: Why is depression serious?

A: Untreated depression can affect work, school, and relationships. It increases the risk of substance use, chronic illness, and suicide. But with treatment, most people improve and regain quality of life.

Q5: How is depression treated?

A: Treatment may include:

• Therapy: Talking with a mental health professional

• Medications: Antidepressants to balance brain chemicals

• Lifestyle changes: Regular exercise, healthy sleep, social support

• Severe cases: Hospital care, or specialized treatments like ECT or TMS

Help is available, and recovery is possible.

Insomnia: Questions & Answers

Q1: What is insomnia?

A: Insomnia is a sleep disorder where people have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up too early and not being able to go back to sleep. It can be short-term (a few days or weeks) or chronic (lasting months or longer).

Q4: Why is insomnia serious?

A: Poor sleep affects health, safety, and quality of life. Long-term insomnia can increase the risk of:

• High blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease

• Depression and anxiety

• Weakened immune system

• Poor concentration, memory, and workplace or driving accidents

Q2: What are the symptoms of insomnia?

A: Symptoms include:

• Difficulty falling asleep at night

• Waking up often during the night

• Waking up too early in the morning

• Feeling tired, irritable, or unfocused during the day

• Relying on caffeine or naps to get through the day

Q5: How is insomnia treated?

A: Treatment often includes:

• Sleep hygiene: Regular bedtime, limiting caffeine/alcohol, reducing screen time, creating a quiet and dark sleep environment

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I): A proven therapy that addresses thoughts and habits that interfere with sleep

• Medications: Sometimes used short term if needed

• Managing underlying conditions: Treating pain, anxiety, or other medical issues that disrupt sleep

Q3: What causes insomnia?

A: Causes may include:

• Stress or anxiety

• Poor sleep habits (irregular schedule, screen use at night, caffeine or alcohol late in the day)

• Medical conditions (chronic pain, asthma, reflux, depression, etc.)

• Medications (stimulants, steroids, some antidepressants)

• Shift work or jet lag disrupting the sleep-wake cycle

Smoking: Questions & Answers

Q1: Why is smoking harmful?

A: Smoking damages nearly every organ in the body. Tobacco smoke contains thousands of chemicals, many of which are toxic and cancer-causing. It greatly increases the risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, and lung diseases like COPD.

Q4: Are “light” cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or vaping safer?

A: There is no safe tobacco product. “Light” or low-tar cigarettes are still harmful. E-cigarettes and vaping may expose users to fewer toxins than smoking but still contain addictive nicotine and other harmful chemicals. More research is ongoing about long-term risks.

Q2: What health problems are linked to smoking?

A: Smoking can cause:

• Lung cancer and many other cancers (mouth, throat, bladder, kidney, pancreas)

• Heart disease and stroke

• Chronic bronchitis and emphysema (COPD)

• Weakened immune system

• Infertility and pregnancy complications

• Early aging of the skin and teeth problems

Q5: How can I quit smoking?

A: Quitting is hard but possible. Effective strategies include:

• Behavioral support: Counseling, support groups, quit lines

• Medications: Nicotine replacement (patches, gum, lozenges) or prescription drugs that reduce cravings

• Lifestyle changes: Avoiding triggers, stress management, regular exercise

• Professional help: Doctors, pharmacists, and smoking cessation programs can provide guidance and support

Even if you’ve tried before, each attempt increases the chance of success.

Q3: Why is nicotine addictive?

A: Nicotine, the main drug in tobacco, quickly reaches the brain and creates a temporary sense of pleasure or stress relief. Over time, the brain craves nicotine, leading to dependence and withdrawal symptoms when a person tries to quit.

Marijuana (Cannabis): Questions & Answers

Q1: What is marijuana?

A: Marijuana, also called cannabis, comes from the Cannabis plant. It contains THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), the chemical that causes a “high,” and CBD (cannabidiol), which does not cause intoxication but may affect the brain and body.

Q4: What are the risks of regular marijuana use?

A: Long-term or heavy use can lead to:

• Dependence or addiction (cannabis use disorder)

• Memory and learning problems

• Decline in attention, especially in teens and young adults

• Lung irritation (if smoked)

• Mental health problems (higher risk of anxiety, depression, or psychosis in vulnerable individuals)

Q2: How is marijuana used?

A: Marijuana can be smoked, vaped, eaten (edibles), or used as oils or tinctures. The effects vary depending on how it’s taken.

Q5: Is marijuana safe or legal?

A: Marijuana laws vary by state. Some allow medical or recreational use; others prohibit it. Even where legal, marijuana is not risk-free. It can impair driving, affect mental health, and interact with other medications. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid it, as it can affect babies’ brain development.

Q3: What are the short-term effects?

A:

• Euphoria (“high”), relaxation

• Altered senses (seeing or hearing things differently)

• Increased appetite (“munchies”)

• Poor coordination and slowed reaction time

• Trouble with memory and concentration

• Anxiety or paranoia in some users

Alcohol Use Disorder: Questions & Answers

Q1: What is alcohol use disorder (AUD)?

A: AUD is a medical condition where a person has trouble controlling or stopping alcohol use, even when it causes problems in health, work, or relationships. It ranges from mild to severe and is sometimes called alcohol dependence or alcoholism.

Q4: Why is alcohol use disorder serious?

A: AUD can cause major health and life problems, including:

• Liver disease (fatty liver, cirrhosis)

• Heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke

• Increased risk of cancers (mouth, throat, liver, breast)

• Depression, anxiety, and memory problems

• Accidents, injuries, and relationship breakdowns

• Risk of alcohol poisoning and death in severe cases

Q2: What are the symptoms of alcohol use disorder?

A: Common signs include:

• Drinking more or longer than intended

• Unsuccessful attempts to cut down or stop

• Spending a lot of time drinking or recovering from it

• Strong cravings for alcohol

• Continuing to drink despite health, relationship, or job problems

• Needing more alcohol to get the same effect (tolerance)

• Withdrawal symptoms when not drinking (shaking, sweating, anxiety, nausea)

Q5: How is alcohol use disorder treated?

A: Treatment depends on severity and may include:

• Counseling and support: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, group therapy, or 12-step programs (like Alcoholics Anonymous)

• Medications: Naltrexone, acamprosate, or disulfiram to reduce cravings or prevent relapse

• Medical detox: For safe withdrawal if alcohol use is heavy

• Lifestyle and social support: Family support, stress management, and healthy routines

Recovery is possible, and many people live fulfilling lives after treatment.

Q3: What causes alcohol use disorder?

A: Causes are a mix of:

• Biological factors: Genetics and brain chemistry

• Psychological factors: Stress, trauma, or mental health conditions

• Social factors: Peer pressure, easy access to alcohol, cultural influences
  Not everyone who drinks develops AUD, but certain risk factors increase the chance.

Medication Abuse: Questions & Answers

Q1: What is medication abuse?

A: Medication abuse happens when prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) drugs are used in a way other than prescribed. This can mean taking higher doses, using someone else’s medication, or using it to get “high.”

Q4: Why is medication abuse dangerous?

A: Misusing medicines can cause:

• Addiction and dependence

• Overdose (sometimes life-threatening)

• Damage to liver, kidneys, heart, or brain

• Dangerous interactions with alcohol or other drugs

• Accidents, poor judgment, and legal consequences

Q2: What types of medications are commonly abused?

A: The most commonly misused medicines are:

• Pain relievers (opioids): oxycodone, hydrocodone, morphine

• Anti-anxiety medicines and sedatives: benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium)

• Stimulants: ADHD medications like Adderall or Ritalin

• Cough medicines: those containing dextromethorphan (DXM)

Q5: How can medication abuse be prevented or treated?

A:

• Prevention: Take medicines only as prescribed, never share them, and store them safely.

• Treatment: Counseling, behavioral therapies, support groups, and medications (such as for opioid addiction) can help.

• Medical help: Doctors and addiction specialists can guide safe recovery.

Q3: Why do people misuse medications?

A: Reasons can include:

• Trying to relieve pain, stress, or anxiety without medical guidance

• Seeking improved focus, energy, or weight loss

• Using to get high or to escape problems

• Peer pressure or social influence