Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

What is the best recommendation for a woman with Type 1 diabetes who checks her blood glucose at 68 mg/dL and feels jittery and weak?

1. Inject glucagon 1 mg subcutaneously

2. Eat something with 30 g to 60 g of protein

3. Consume tablets with 15 g to 20 g of glucose

4. Call 911 and transport to nearest hospital

The correct answer is: Consume tablets with 15 g to 20 g of glucose

The recommendation to consume tablets with 15 g to 20 g of glucose is the most appropriate response in this scenario, as it directly addresses the immediate need for treating hypoglycemia. When a person with Type 1 diabetes experiences a blood glucose level like 68 mg/dL, especially accompanied by symptoms such as jitteriness and weakness, it's essential to rapidly increase their blood glucose levels to prevent further decline into severe hypoglycemia. Glucose tablets provide a quick source of glucose that is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, making them an effective choice for treating mild to moderate hypoglycemic symptoms. The amount of glucose prescribed, between 15 g to 20 g, is recommended based on standard practices for blood glucose management in hypoglycemia. In this case, the other recommendations, while potentially useful in different contexts, do not effectively address the immediate hypoglycemic urgency. Injecting glucagon is generally reserved for situations where the individual is unable to consume glucose orally or is unconscious. Eating a protein-rich food does not provide the quick glucose needed and would take longer to metabolize. Calling 911 may be appropriate if the individual is unable to recover or if symptoms worsen, but it is not the most critical first step when mild hypoglycemia is