Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

Which lifestyle change is most beneficial for managing high triglycerides in a type 2 diabetes patient?

1. Increasing physical activity.

2. Reducing protein intake.

3. Adding more carbohydrate-rich foods.

4. Eating more red meat.

The correct answer is: Increasing physical activity.

Increasing physical activity is a crucial lifestyle change for managing high triglycerides, especially in patients with type 2 diabetes. Engaging in regular exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity, promotes weight loss, and can lead to a decrease in triglyceride levels. Physical activity enhances the body's ability to metabolize fats, reducing the fatty acids circulating in the bloodstream, which in turn helps lower triglyceride levels. Other options, such as reducing protein intake, adding more carbohydrate-rich foods, or consuming more red meat, do not support the goal of lowering triglycerides. In fact, reducing protein intake may not effectively target triglyceride levels, while increasing carbohydrate-rich foods, particularly those high in simple sugars, can contribute to higher triglyceride levels. Eating more red meat, often associated with higher saturated fats, may also negatively affect triglyceride levels and overall heart health. Therefore, increasing physical activity stands out as the most beneficial lifestyle change in this context.