Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

Which recommendation is most appropriate for a woman with type 2 diabetes presenting symptoms of hypoglycemia after shopping?

1. Eat a candy bar followed by a small, high-protein meal.

2. Inject an additional dose of NPH at half of the usual amount.

3. Check her blood glucose and treat hypoglycemia if present.

4. Chew and swallow 2 or 3 glucose tablets and then eat a protein-containing snack.

The correct answer is: Check her blood glucose and treat hypoglycemia if present.

The most appropriate recommendation for a woman with type 2 diabetes showing symptoms of hypoglycemia after shopping is to check her blood glucose and treat hypoglycemia if present. This approach is critical because it involves confirming whether her symptoms are indeed due to low blood sugar before taking any further action. The reasoning behind this choice is based on the importance of accurately diagnosing hypoglycemia before treatment. Symptoms such as shakiness, sweating, and confusion are common in hypoglycemia, but they can also be caused by other factors or conditions. By checking her blood glucose, she can make an informed decision about the need for treatment and its intensity. If the blood glucose is confirmed to be low, a quick source of glucose can be administered to alleviate symptoms. In addition, addressing high blood glucose levels appropriately requires a thoughtful approach. If her blood sugar is normal or high, administering treatments intended for hypoglycemia, like glucose tablets or high-sugar snacks, would be unnecessary and could worsen her overall glucose control. The other options may provide immediate relief for hypoglycemia symptoms, but they lack the important initial step of verification. For instance, eating a candy bar or glucose tablets can help quickly address low blood sugar, but without checking, one risks unnecessary treatment and