Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

Which medication best targets postprandial blood glucose levels?

1. Pioglitazone

2. Glimepiride

3. Metformin

4. Insulin Glargine

The correct answer is: Glimepiride

Glimepiride is an effective medication for managing postprandial blood glucose levels because it is a sulfonylurea that works by stimulating the pancreas to release more insulin in response to meals. This insulin release helps to lower the blood glucose that rises after eating, making it particularly suitable for addressing spikes in blood glucose levels that occur after meals. Since postprandial hyperglycemia is a common concern in diabetes management, glimepiride can be beneficial in providing immediate insulin action when taken with food. In contrast, while other medications have roles in managing blood glucose levels, they may target fasting glucose or overall glycemic control rather than specifically focusing on the postprandial state. For example, metformin is primarily effective at decreasing hepatic glucose production and improving insulin sensitivity, but it does not have a significant impact on postprandial glucose levels. Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin that helps control fasting blood glucose levels but is not as effective for postprandial spikes. Pioglitazone works primarily on improving insulin sensitivity over a longer duration and does not directly address immediate post-meal glucose surges. Therefore, glimepiride stands out for its ability to directly influence postmeal blood glucose