Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

Which advice would an educator least likely recommend for safe driving practices related to diabetes?

1. Always wear medical ID when driving

2. Stop every 2 hours to check blood glucose during long drives

3. Always eat something with carbohydrates before driving

4. Keep glucose sources in the car at all times

The correct answer is: Always eat something with carbohydrates before driving

The recommendation to always eat something with carbohydrates before driving is least likely to be advised by an educator focusing on safe driving practices related to diabetes. While it's important for individuals with diabetes to maintain stable blood glucose levels to avoid hypoglycemia, the approach of eating carbohydrates as a fixed rule before driving may not be the best practice. This is because carbohydrate intake should be personalized and based on the individual's current blood glucose levels and specific needs at that time. Many factors influence blood glucose, including activity level, duration of fasting, and existing medication regimens. Rather than a blanket recommendation to eat carbohydrates without evaluating blood glucose levels, educators would typically emphasize strategies tailored to the individual's situation, such as checking blood glucose or eating when necessary based on those readings. Other options like wearing a medical ID, stopping to check blood glucose every two hours during long drives, and keeping glucose sources in the car are prudent recommendations that focus on emergency preparedness and preventing hypoglycemia while driving. These strategies encourage awareness and proactive management, which are crucial for safe driving for those with diabetes.