Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

Regarding preconception care and diabetes, which statement is true?

1. Only about half of female patients with diabetes receive preconception counseling

2. Weight management is the primary focus of preconception care

3. A1c levels under 7% reduce congenital malformation rates to levels similar to those without diabetes

4. Initiating lipid management medications is crucial during preconception

The correct answer is: A1c levels under 7% reduce congenital malformation rates to levels similar to those without diabetes

In the context of preconception care for individuals with diabetes, maintaining optimal glycemic control is essential in reducing the risk of congenital malformations. It is well-established through research that achieving A1c levels below 7% significantly lowers the risk of these birth defects to levels comparable to those observed in the general population without diabetes. This highlights the critical role of glycemic management prior to and during pregnancy, emphasizing the importance of preconception counseling and education to help women with diabetes reach these targets. Weight management and the initiation of lipid management medications are parts of a comprehensive approach to care, but they are not the primary focus when it comes to reducing congenital malformations. While ensuring that weight is managed appropriately can support overall health and metabolic function, the direct correlation of A1c levels to birth defect rates underscores the centrality of blood glucose control in preconception care.