Certified Diabetes Educator Test Certified Diabetes Educator Test Clinical Assessment 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What HbA1c level is the general target for most non-pregnant adults with diabetes according to the ADA?
- Less than 6.0%
- Less than 7.0% (Correct answer)
- Less than 8.0%
- Less than 9.0%
Correct answer: Less than 7.0%
The ADA recommends an HbA1c target of less than 7.0% for most non-pregnant adults with diabetes to balance glycemic control with hypoglycemia risk.
Question 2: Which fasting plasma glucose value on two separate occasions confirms a diagnosis of diabetes?
- ≥100 mg/dL
- ≥110 mg/dL
- ≥126 mg/dL (Correct answer)
- ≥140 mg/dL
Correct answer: ≥126 mg/dL
A fasting plasma glucose of ≥126 mg/dL confirmed on two separate occasions meets the diagnostic criteria for diabetes per ADA and WHO guidelines.
Question 3: During a comprehensive foot exam, the 10-gram Semmes-Weinstein monofilament is used to assess which function?
- Proprioception
- Protective sensation (Correct answer)
- Vibration sense
- Motor function
Correct answer: Protective sensation
The 10-gram monofilament tests protective sensation, identifying peripheral neuropathy that increases risk for diabetic foot ulcers.
Question 4: Which lab value is the primary recommended screening marker for diabetic nephropathy?
- Serum creatinine alone
- Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (Correct answer)
- Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
- Serum potassium
Correct answer: Urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio
The urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio detects early kidney damage and is the standard screening test for diabetic nephropathy.
Question 5: What is the ADA-recommended blood pressure target for most adults with diabetes and hypertension?
- <120/80 mmHg
- <130/80 mmHg (Correct answer)
- <140/90 mmHg
- <150/90 mmHg
Correct answer: <130/80 mmHg
The ADA recommends a blood pressure target of <130/80 mmHg for most adults with diabetes and hypertension to reduce cardiovascular risk.
Question 6: How often should a lipid panel be rechecked in a patient with T2D whose values are stable and at goal?
- Every 6 months
- Annually
- Every 1–2 years (Correct answer)
- Every 5 years
Correct answer: Every 1–2 years
Once lipid values are stable and at goal, the ADA recommends reassessment every 1–2 years to monitor for changes.
What HbA1c level is the general target for most non-pregnant adults with diabetes according to the ADA?