Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

Which example is the best illustration of a healthy meal choice for a diabetic?

1. Sandwich with turkey, lettuce, cheese, tomato, an apple, small baked chips, diet soda

2. Bowl of chicken broth, pickle, sugar-free jello, celery sticks, water, multivitamins

3. Chef salad with lettuce, eggs, cheese, chicken, celery, Italian dressing, glass of water

4. Whole grain pasta with cream sauce, garlic bread, cooked green peas, skim milk

The correct answer is: Sandwich with turkey, lettuce, cheese, tomato, an apple, small baked chips, diet soda

The first choice is a well-rounded meal that fits within the dietary considerations for someone with diabetes. It includes a source of lean protein with turkey, which can help with satiety and managing blood glucose levels. The addition of vegetables—like lettuce and tomato—provides fiber, vitamins, and minerals, which are all essential for overall health and can help regulate blood sugar levels. The apple serves as a healthy dessert option, providing natural sugars along with fiber, which can further assist in stabilizing blood sugar. The small baked chips offer a fun element of crunch, and since they are in small portions, they can be a less impactful choice compared to regular potato chips. The choice of a diet soda, while not ideal due to its artificial sweeteners, does help to reduce calorie and sugar intake as opposed to regular soda, which is beneficial for blood sugar management. In contrast, the other options may lack balance or provide limited nutritional value. The second option does not have sufficient protein or complex carbohydrates to sustain energy levels. The third choice has viable components like chicken and eggs, but could benefit from more fiber-rich options. The last option, while it contains some vegetables, also features a cream sauce and garlic bread, which can lead to a high carbohydrate and