Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

If a patient with diabetes reports inconsistent adherence to self-care routines, what should the educator focus on during the session?

1. Dig deeper into lifestyle choices and dietary habits

2. Encourage participation in diabetes education workshops

3. Assess barriers to adherence and discuss solutions

4. Advise enrolling in a patient support group

The correct answer is: Assess barriers to adherence and discuss solutions

Focusing on assessing barriers to adherence and discussing solutions is essential when a patient with diabetes reports inconsistent adherence to self-care routines. This approach enables the educator to gain a comprehensive understanding of the specific challenges the patient faces in maintaining their self-care. Barriers can be multifaceted, including psychological issues, lack of knowledge, socioeconomic factors, physical limitations, or inadequate support systems. By identifying these obstacles, the educator can tailor discussions and interventions that address the patient’s unique situation. This individual-focused strategy promotes a collaborative partnership, empowering the patient to explore practical solutions to overcome their difficulties. While the other options may contribute to the patient's education and support, they do not directly tackle the underlying issues affecting adherence. For instance, while exploring lifestyle choices and dietary habits is important, it might not directly reveal the reasons behind inconsistent self-care. Similarly, encouraging participation in workshops or advising enrollment in support groups can provide additional knowledge and community, but they may not specifically address the personal barriers the patient is experiencing. Therefore, by focusing on assessing barriers, the educator lays the groundwork for effective support and sustainable adherence strategies for the patient.