Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

How much can matching the premeal insulin with the carbohydrate in a meal decrease A1C levels for individuals with type 1 diabetes?

1. 0.3%

2. 0.5%

3. 1.0%

4. 2.0%

The correct answer is: 1.0%

Matching premeal insulin doses to carbohydrate intake is a well-researched strategy that can have a significant impact on glycemic control in individuals with type 1 diabetes. When insulin is appropriately dosed in relation to the carbohydrates consumed, it helps to ensure that blood glucose levels remain stable after meals, potentially leading to better overall metabolic control. Research indicates that when individuals effectively match their insulin to their carbohydrate intake, it can lead to a substantial decrease in A1C levels. A reduction of 1.0% is consistent with findings in clinical studies that demonstrate the benefits of carbohydrate counting and precise insulin dosing. This reduction in A1C levels is important because even a small decrease can significantly lower the risk of diabetes-related complications over time. Lower A1C levels are associated with reduced incidences of microvascular and macrovascular complications, which are critical concerns in diabetes management. In this context, while smaller reductions in A1C levels can occur with other interventions or less precise management, the 1.0% decrease specifically reflects the effectiveness of well-matched premeal insulin and carbohydrate intake in achieving tighter glycemic control for individuals with type 1 diabetes. This evidence-based approach is central to diabetes management education and is vital for improving patient outcomes.