Diabetes Education Certification Blood Glucose Monitoring & Targets 2

Question 1

A patient with type 2 diabetes on metformin only reports consistent fasting glucose values of 95–105 mg/dL but an A1C of 8.2%. What is the most likely explanation?

Accepted Answer

Postprandial glucose excursions are elevating the A1C

Answer

A1C reflects average glucose over ~3 months, so high postprandial spikes can raise A1C even when fasting values appear normal.

Question 2

According to ADA standards, what is the recommended preprandial blood glucose target range for most non-pregnant adults with diabetes?

Accepted Answer

80–130 mg/dL

Answer

The ADA recommends a preprandial (before meal) plasma glucose target of 80–130 mg/dL for most non-pregnant adults.

Question 3

A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) displays a double-arrow trending downward. What action should a patient taking insulin be advised to take?

Accepted Answer

Consume 15–20 g of fast-acting carbohydrate preemptively if below 90 mg/dL

Answer

A rapid downward trend arrow indicates falling glucose; ADA guidance supports treating impending hypoglycemia with carbohydrates when trending down rapidly and approaching the low threshold.

Question 4

Which of the following factors can cause falsely LOW blood glucose readings on most home glucometers?

Accepted Answer

Hematocrit above 55% (polycythemia)

Answer

High hematocrit (polycythemia) causes falsely low glucometer readings because red blood cells compete with the glucose reaction on the test strip.

Question 5

For a patient wearing a CGM, what is the minimum recommended 'Time in Range' (70–180 mg/dL) for most adults with type 1 or type 2 diabetes?

Accepted Answer

70%

Answer

International consensus recommends that most adults with diabetes achieve at least 70% time in range (70–180 mg/dL).

Diabetes Practice Test

Diabetes Practice Test

Diabetes Education Certification Blood Glucose Monitoring & Targets 2