Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

Which lab value for a new patient with diabetes is of greatest concern?

1. HbA1c 7.8%

2. LDL 101 mg/dl

3. HDL 88 mg/dl

4. Serum Cr 2.8 mg/dl

The correct answer is: Serum Cr 2.8 mg/dl

The lab value that raises the greatest concern in this scenario is the serum creatinine level of 2.8 mg/dl. This value indicates impaired kidney function, which is particularly significant for patients with diabetes. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common complication of diabetes, and elevated serum creatinine levels can be an important marker for kidney health. In this case, the level of 2.8 mg/dl suggests that the patient's renal function is substantially compromised, potentially requiring immediate evaluation and intervention to prevent further kidney damage and manage diabetes effectively. The other lab values, while important in the management of diabetes, do not indicate as urgent a concern as the elevated serum creatinine. For instance, an HbA1c of 7.8% shows that the patient's blood glucose control is not optimal, but it may not need immediate medical intervention. LDL at 101 mg/dl and HDL at 88 mg/dl are also relevant to cardiovascular risk but do not reflect an immediate health crisis. Therefore, the serum creatinine level signifies a more critical health issue that needs to be addressed promptly.