Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

What is the primary concern for a patient with type 2 diabetes who has obesity and hypertension, based on their last meal?

1. Increased risk of heart disease

2. Higher blood glucose levels

3. Development of insulin resistance

4. Loss of nutritional balance

The correct answer is: Increased risk of heart disease

The primary concern for a patient with type 2 diabetes who has obesity and hypertension, based on their last meal, would be the increased risk of heart disease. Individuals with type 2 diabetes are already at a heightened risk for cardiovascular diseases due to factors such as insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, obesity, and hypertension. The presence of these conditions often results in an inflammatory response, endothelial dysfunction, and a higher incidence of atherosclerosis. In this scenario, the last meal's composition can significantly influence heart health. If the meal was high in saturated fats, trans fats, and sodium, it could exacerbate existing obesity and hypertension, further increasing cardiovascular risk. Therefore, both the dietary choices and the metabolic conditions significantly contribute to the potential for heart disease, making this the primary concern. The other options, while relevant in the context of diabetes management, are not as critical in this specific scenario. Blood glucose levels are a concern, but the question emphasizes overall health risks, which are more directly linked to heart disease in the presence of obesity and hypertension. Insulin resistance is indeed a critical issue in type 2 diabetes, but it is often a precursor to the complications associated with cardiovascular health rather than a direct concern from one meal. Lastly, loss of