Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

What is considered the key to effective management of acute sensory neuropathy and chronic distal neuropathy?

1. Confirmation of diagnosis through testing

2. Pain management with medications

3. Graded supervised aerobic exercise

4. Blood glucose control and stabilization

The correct answer is: Blood glucose control and stabilization

The key to effective management of acute sensory neuropathy and chronic distal neuropathy primarily lies in blood glucose control and stabilization. High blood glucose levels over time can lead to nerve damage, and maintaining glucose levels within a target range is essential for preventing further complications and alleviating symptoms. By stabilizing blood glucose, you not only prevent additional nerve damage but also promote nerve healing, which may help in reducing the severity of neuropathic symptoms such as pain, tingling, or numbness. While confirmation of the diagnosis through testing is important for understanding the condition, it doesn't directly address the underlying cause or provide a means of management. Pain management with medications can be a helpful supportive measure for managing symptoms but does not address the root cause of neuropathy. Graded supervised aerobic exercise can play a beneficial role in overall health and potentially in nerve function, but it does not have the same direct impact on the underlying metabolic control as blood glucose stabilization does. Therefore, maintaining optimal blood glucose levels is fundamentally critical for the management of both acute and chronic neuropathies related to diabetes.