Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

What factor could lead to elevated blood glucose levels in someone with irregular meal schedules?

1. Too much exercise

2. High-carb intake

3. Infrequent insulin administration

4. Irregular meal schedule

The correct answer is: Irregular meal schedule

An irregular meal schedule can significantly impact blood glucose levels for several reasons. First, consistent meal timing helps regulate insulin secretion and glucose metabolism in the body. When meals are consumed at inconsistent times, it can lead to fluctuations in insulin release, which may result in periods of high blood sugar. Moreover, under irregular meal patterns, individuals might experience missed meals or snacks, which can trigger the liver to release glucose into the bloodstream in response to perceived fasting periods. This uncoordinated release can exacerbate hyperglycemia, particularly in people with diabetes who are reliant on precise timing of their medication and food intake to manage their blood sugar effectively. In contrast, while factors like high-carb intake and infrequent insulin administration do influence blood glucose levels, they do not capture the systemic effects of an irregular meal schedule as comprehensively. Regular mealtime helps manage not only the immediate effects of food intake but also the body's hormonal responses, thus maintaining overall glucose homeostasis.