Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

What is the American Diabetes Association's (ADA's) preferred treatment for self-management of hypoglycemia?

1. Eat carbohydrate-containing food until symptoms resolve.

2. Consume 10 grams of carbohydrate-containing food along with a source of protein.

3. Consume 15-20 grams of carbohydrate that contains glucose.

4. Administer glucagon.

The correct answer is: Consume 15-20 grams of carbohydrate that contains glucose.

The preferred treatment for self-management of hypoglycemia, according to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), is to consume 15-20 grams of carbohydrate that contains glucose. This approach is grounded in the fact that glucose is rapidly absorbed by the body, allowing for a quick correction of low blood sugar levels. Using this specific carbohydrate amount helps to ensure that the individual consumes enough to effectively raise their blood glucose levels while minimizing the risk of overtreatment, which could lead to subsequent hyperglycemia. By focusing on the recommended glucose-containing carbohydrates, the treatment protocol emphasizes both rapid response and safety, aligning with the ADA's guidelines for managing hypoglycemia. This method is particularly effective because glucose is readily utilized by the body, making it the most efficient option for quickly alleviating the symptoms of hypoglycemia. In contrast, other approaches, such as consuming carb-containing food until symptoms resolve or combining carbs with protein, may delay glucose absorption, leading to a less effective and potentially slower response in raising blood sugar levels. Similarly, administering glucagon is reserved for more severe cases of hypoglycemia where the individual is unable to consume carbohydrates orally. The focus on a specific and moderate amount of glucose in self-management allows individuals to respond timely and effectively without causing additional health