Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

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How many grams of carbohydrate should a Type 1 diabetes patient snack on every 30 to 45 minutes during exercise?

  1. 5 to 10 grams

  2. 10 to 30 grams

  3. 30 to 45 grams

  4. 45 to 60 grams

The correct answer is: 10 to 30 grams

For individuals with Type 1 diabetes, managing blood glucose levels during exercise is crucial, and consuming the right amount of carbohydrates is an essential strategy to prevent hypoglycemia. During prolonged exercise, it is recommended that a person snack on 10 to 30 grams of carbohydrate every 30 to 45 minutes. This amount is effective in replenishing glycogen stores and maintaining stable blood glucose levels, as it provides enough energy without causing a rapid spike in blood sugar. This particular range helps to balance the carbohydrate needed to offset the glucose utilization during physical activity while minimizing the risk of hyperglycemia, which can occur when too many carbohydrates are consumed at once. Therefore, consistently snacking in this range allows individuals to tailor their intake based on their activity intensity and duration, as well as their individual insulin regimen.