CDCES Diabetes Educator Prep practice questions and answers 2026. Tap an option to test yourself — you'll see the correct answer and a plain-English explanation for every question. Free, no login.
Q21A patient with diabetes complains to their healthcare provider about a new skin condition involving red, circular patches on their legs. What is the most likely cause and necessary action?
✓ Correct answer: D. The condition is diabetic dermopathy and it usually does not require treatment
Answer: The condition is diabetic dermopathy and it usually does not require treatment Diabetic dermopathy is marked by round or oval, indented, red to brown patches commonly found on the shins. This condition is usually painless and does not require medical treatment. Good blood sugar control may improve the appearance of these patches. It is not related to poor hygiene or infections and does not typically cause discomfort.
Q22A patient with type 2 diabetes plans to embark on a hiking expedition in a remote area for a week. Which of the following statements made by the patient is INCORRECT?
✓ Correct answer: C. I should avoid carrying glucose tablets as they are not necessary.
Answer: "I should avoid carrying glucose tablets as they are not necessary." Glucose tablets are important for rapid treatment of hypoglycemia, especially during physical activities such as hiking. The patient should ensure they have enough diabetes medications for the duration of the trip, pack extra food and water, and be prepared to manage hypoglycemia.
Q23Which of the following statements regarding HbA1c measurement is CORRECT?
✓ Correct answer: B. HbA1c levels of 6.5% or higher indicate diabetes
Answer: HbA1c levels of 6.5% or higher indicate diabetes According to the diagnostic criteria, an HbA1c (glycated hemoglobin) level of 6.5% or higher is used to diagnose diabetes. This measurement reflects the average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months. The test is used because glucose attaches to hemoglobin in the blood, and the amount of glucose that remains attached over time provides a good indication of average blood glucose levels.
Q24A diabetes educator is conducting a session on lifestyle modifications for managing type 2 diabetes. Which of the following statements about physical activity is NOT correct?
✓ Correct answer: A. Exercising regularly can lead to an immediate increase in insulin requirements.
Answer: Exercising regularly can lead to an immediate increase in insulin requirements. Exercise generally leads to improved insulin sensitivity and reduced insulin requirements. Regular physical activity is beneficial for managing blood glucose levels. Both aerobic and resistance training are effective in improving glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes.
Q25Patients who have type 1 diabetes and are preparing for strenuous exercise should be advised to check their blood glucose levels and consume additional carbohydrates if their glucose level falls below ________.
✓ Correct answer: D. 100 mg/dL
Patients with type 1 diabetes should check their blood glucose levels before engaging in strenuous exercise. If their glucose level is below 100 mg/dL, they are advised to consume additional carbohydrates to prevent hypoglycemia during exercise. This helps maintain stable glucose levels and reduces the risk of hypoglycemic events.
Q26A diabetic client in a nursing home is being treated with continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) at a rate of 8 units/hour. The target blood glucose range is 120-180 mg/dL. During a routine check, the nurse notes that the patient's blood glucose is 122 mg/dL. The patient's blood glucose level 2 hours ago was 145 mg/dL. What is the BEST action for the nurse to take?
✓ Correct answer: C. Decrease the rate of the insulin infusion by 1 unit/hour and recheck blood glucose in one hour
Answer: Decrease the rate of the insulin infusion by 1 unit/hour and recheck blood glucose in one hour When the rate of the insulin infusion is 7-9.9 units/hour, and blood glucose is 100-129 with a goal blood glucose of 120-180 mg/dL, the most appropriate action is to decrease the rate of the insulin infusion by 1 unit/hour and recheck blood glucose in one hour. If the blood glucose drops more than 25 mg/dL from the last check, the insulin infusion should be discontinued and blood glucose rechecked in one hour. When the rate of the insulin infusion is > 10 units/hour, the rate would be decreased by 2 units/hour if the blood glucose was between 100-129. If the blood glucose was within the goal of 120-180, no changes would be made in the infusion rate. If blood glucose remains 120-180 for 2 consecutive hours, then checks could be decreased to every 2 hours.
Q27A documented A1C value of <6.5% without the usual symptoms of hypoglycemia is known as:
✓ Correct answer: B. Asymptomatic hypoglycemia
Answer: Asymptomatic hypoglycemia Asymptomatic hypoglycemia is defined as a documented A1C value of <6.5% without the usual symptoms. Pseudohypoglycemia is defined as an episode with typical symptoms of hypoglycemia, but measured A1C values are >6.5%, although they usually approach that level. Probable symptomatic hypoglycemia is defined as an event during which typical symptoms of hypoglycemia develop and are relieved with treatment but are never documented to meet the alert threshold of <6.5%. Postprandial hypoglycemia is hypoglycemia following a meal.
Q28A person with type 2 diabetes is planning to go on a two-week hiking trip in a remote area and asks the nurse how much insulin they should carry. The nurse needs to explain the appropriate way to prepare for such a trip.
✓ Correct answer: A. The patient should carry an ample supply of insulin, accounting for potential increases in insulin needs due to physical activity and varying weather conditions. The insulin should be stored in a portable cooler to maintain its stability.
Answer: The patient should carry an ample supply of insulin, accounting for potential increases in insulin needs due to physical activity and varying weather conditions. The insulin should be stored in a portable cooler to maintain its stability. When going on extended trips, especially to remote areas, patients with diabetes must prepare adequately to manage their blood glucose levels. They should carry more insulin than they typically need, given the increased physical activity and possible challenges in accessing medical supplies. Insulin should be kept cool to prevent degradation. Portable coolers designed for insulin storage can help maintain the required temperature.
Q29A patient with type 2 diabetes is curious about the effect of different breakfast foods on their blood glucose levels. They ask the dietitian which item from their breakfast tray is most likely to cause a rise in post-meal blood glucose levels. Which of the following choices is MOST correct?
✓ Correct answer: D. Orange juice
Answer: Orange juice Carbohydrate-containing foods and beverages, along with endogenous insulin production, are the greatest determinants of post-meal blood glucose levels. Foods containing carbohydrates include starchy vegetables, whole grains, fruits, milk and milk products, vegetables, and sugar. Orange juice is most likely to cause a rise in the patient's post-meal blood sugar. Black coffee has no effect on blood glucose levels as it contains no sugar. Scrambled eggs contain mainly protein, not carbohydrates. Bacon strips are high in fat and protein, which also have a minimal impact on blood glucose levels compared to carbohydrate-rich foods.
Q30A patient with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes is planning to undergo an extended juice cleanse. Which of the following responses by the healthcare team is BEST?
✓ Correct answer: C. Strongly advise the patient to explore alternatives to the juice cleanse but be prepared to support the patient if they choose to proceed.
Answer: Strongly advise the patient to explore alternatives to the juice cleanse but be prepared to support the patient if they choose to proceed. Extended juice cleanses should be avoided in patients with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes if at all possible. The healthcare team should strongly advise the patient to explore other options that can deliver the same perceived benefits without the associated risks. However, the team must also be ready to support the patient's decision should they choose to proceed with the juice cleanse. Warning the patient that the cleanse will definitely harm them can be excessively daunting and may not be entirely accurate. Praising the juice cleanse as a healthy choice without medical supervision is medically unsound. Simply adjusting medication without discussing the risks and benefits of the cleanse is inadequate.
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