Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

Intensive glucose management in type 2 diabetes is associated with which benefit?

1. Weight loss

2. Elevations in triglycerides

3. Decreased cardiovascular mortality

4. Decreased progression of retinopathy

The correct answer is: Decreased progression of retinopathy

Intensive glucose management in type 2 diabetes focuses on achieving tight control of blood glucose levels, which can significantly influence the progression of various diabetes-related complications. One of the notable benefits of such management is the decreased progression of retinopathy. Retinopathy, a common complication of diabetes that affects the eyes, can lead to vision impairment or blindness if left untreated. Studies have shown that maintaining optimal blood glucose levels can slow the onset and progression of retinopathy in individuals with type 2 diabetes. By reducing prolonged exposure to high blood sugars, intensive glucose management helps prevent damage to the small blood vessels in the retina, thereby preserving visual function. The other options reflect different aspects of diabetes management but do not directly correlate with the established benefits of intensive glucose control. While weight loss is a common goal in managing type 2 diabetes, it does not necessarily result from intensive glucose management alone. Elevations in triglycerides may occur depending on the individual's overall health status and treatment regimen rather than being a direct benefit of tight glucose control. Lastly, although intensive glucose management can also have cardiovascular benefits, decreased cardiovascular mortality is more complex and influenced by multiple risk factors beyond glucose levels alone. Thus, the focus on retinopathy highlights a clear, direct benefit of