Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

For a predominantly African American church population wishing to prevent diabetes, what recommendation is most appropriate?

1. Fast 3 days per week

2. Walk 150 minutes per week

3. Eat 7 servings of fatty fish per week

4. Advise the leader that his population is low risk

The correct answer is: Walk 150 minutes per week

The recommendation to walk 150 minutes per week is particularly appropriate for a predominantly African American church population seeking to prevent diabetes. Regular physical activity, such as walking, plays a crucial role in managing weight, improving insulin sensitivity, and lowering blood sugar levels, all essential factors in diabetes prevention. This specific guideline aligns with general physical activity recommendations provided by health organizations, which suggest that engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity each week can significantly reduce the risk of developing diabetes. Walking is also a culturally accepted and accessible form of exercise that can easily be integrated into the daily lives of community members. By promoting walking, the church community can enhance its members' overall physical fitness and create a supportive environment for healthy lifestyle changes. Other options, while potentially beneficial, do not focus as directly on the preventive measures that align with community health goals. For example, the suggestion to fast frequently may not be practical or suitable for everyone, and the recommendation for excessive fatty fish consumption may not be culturally relevant or feasible. Advising the leader that the population is low risk dismisses the fact that many factors can contribute to an increased risk of diabetes in various populations, including genetics, lifestyle, and socioeconomic status. Thus, encouraging a walking routine stands out as