Diabetes Education Certification Physical Activity & Exercise 3

Question 1

A patient with type 1 diabetes uses an insulin pump. What is the most evidence-based pump adjustment strategy for a 60-minute moderate aerobic workout?

Accepted Answer

Reduce the basal rate by 50–80% starting 60–90 minutes before exercise

Answer

Reducing the basal rate by 50–80% approximately 60–90 minutes before aerobic exercise is a well-supported strategy to attenuate exercise-induced hypoglycemia.

Question 2

What is 'nocturnal hypoglycemia' in the context of exercise, and when is it most likely to occur?

Accepted Answer

Delayed-onset hypoglycemia occurring 6–15 hours after an afternoon or evening exercise session

Answer

Delayed nocturnal hypoglycemia can occur 6–15 hours post-exercise as muscles replenish glycogen stores, increasing glucose uptake while the patient sleeps.

Question 3

A 68-year-old patient with type 2 diabetes and osteoarthritis in both knees wants to start exercising. Which activity is MOST appropriate?

Accepted Answer

Water aerobics or swimming

Answer

Water-based exercise is ideal for patients with osteoarthritis because buoyancy reduces joint stress while still providing cardiovascular and glucose-lowering benefits.

Question 4

Which RPE (Rating of Perceived Exertion) range on the Borg 6–20 scale corresponds to moderate-intensity exercise?

Accepted Answer

12–14

Answer

An RPE of 12–14 ('somewhat hard') on the Borg scale corresponds to moderate-intensity exercise, roughly 40–60% of VO2max.

Question 5

A diabetes educator is counseling a patient about the 'talk test' as a method to monitor exercise intensity. What does passing the talk test indicate?

Accepted Answer

The patient is exercising at moderate or below intensity

Answer

Being able to carry on a conversation without gasping indicates moderate or light intensity, a practical proxy for staying below the ventilatory threshold.

Diabetes Practice Test

Diabetes Practice Test

Diabetes Education Certification Physical Activity & Exercise 3