Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

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Prepare for the Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Exam. Study with flashcards, multiple choice questions, and explanations. Get ready for your exam success!

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A patient expresses dissatisfaction with pioglitazone due to lack of immediate effect. How should the educator respond?

Suggest discontinuing the medication
Propose consulting with the provider for a higher dose
Explain that the medication can take several weeks to show full effects
Attribute the dissatisfaction to possible increased eating

The correct answer is: Explain that the medication can take several weeks to show full effects

The correct response involves explaining that pioglitazone can take several weeks to show its full effects. This medication belongs to the thiazolidinedione class and works by improving insulin sensitivity, but unlike some other diabetes medications that have a more immediate impact on blood glucose levels, its effects are not rapid. Informing the patient about the timeline and mechanisms of action helps set realistic expectations and encourages adherence to the treatment plan while they wait to see significant benefits. This response also opens the door for further discussion about how pioglitazone fits into their overall diabetes management, providing an opportunity for the educator to reinforce the importance of patience and following the prescribed regimen. Furthermore, understanding the nature of the medication can alleviate frustration or dissatisfaction and support the patient’s emotional well-being.