Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

A patient has gained weight and has persistently high fasting blood glucose levels. What is the most likely explanation?

1. The patient requires additional basal insulin

2. The patient should split their basal insulin dose

3. The patient should decrease basal insulin and add bolus insulin

4. The patient is likely overeating and needs to evaluate current eating patterns

The correct answer is: The patient is likely overeating and needs to evaluate current eating patterns

In this scenario, the most likely explanation for the patient's weight gain and persistently high fasting blood glucose levels is that the patient is overeating and needs to evaluate their current eating patterns. Weight gain can often be associated with increased caloric intake, which may lead to elevated blood glucose levels, especially if the dietary choices are high in carbohydrates or sugar. When patients are diabetic, their ability to process glucose can be impaired, and consistently consuming more calories than the body can utilize can result in high blood sugar levels. A thorough evaluation of eating patterns allows for the identification of potential sources of excess caloric intake and helps inform necessary adjustments in diet. These changes can lead to improved weight management and better glycemic control. The options related to insulin adjustments, while potentially relevant to managing blood glucose levels, do not directly address the underlying issue of dietary habits that could lead to weight gain and hyperglycemia. Thus, assessing and modifying eating patterns may be essential before making medication-related changes.