Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

After six months, a patient with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus who set a goal to walk 10 minutes a day reports no progress. What should be the next step?

1. Suggest focusing on a different aspect of self-care

2. Offer more time to work on the goal

3. Discuss motivations and barriers to achieving the goal

4. Revise the goal to start with less time and increase gradually

The correct answer is: Discuss motivations and barriers to achieving the goal

Discussing motivations and barriers to achieving the goal is crucial in this scenario because understanding the underlying reason for the lack of progress can help identify specific challenges the patient may be facing. For individuals with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, lifestyle changes such as increasing physical activity can be significantly influenced by personal motivation, external circumstances, knowledge, and emotional factors. By engaging in a conversation about what motivates the patient to set the goal of walking for 10 minutes a day and what obstacles are preventing them from achieving it, the healthcare provider can tailor interventions more effectively. For instance, if the patient feels unmotivated due to a lack of enjoyment in walking or has physical limitations that make walking difficult, these concerns can be addressed more directly. This approach not only provides support but also fosters a sense of teamwork and collaboration in developing a sustainable plan for self-care. Connecting with the patient’s motivations helps ensure that the goals are meaningful and achievable, paving the way for improved adherence and progress in diabetes management.