Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

Which patient attribute is not considered a prerequisite for continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy?

1. Must have type 1 diabetes diagnosis

2. Must be proficient at counting carbohydrates

3. Previous experience with multiple daily injections

4. Exhibits a pattern of consistent frequent blood glucose monitoring

The correct answer is: Must have type 1 diabetes diagnosis

The reasoning behind identifying that having a type 1 diabetes diagnosis is not a prerequisite for continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion therapy lies in the broader application of insulin therapy. While continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) is commonly associated with individuals who have type 1 diabetes due to their complete insulin dependency, it is also used in patients with type 2 diabetes who require insulin to manage their blood glucose levels effectively. The use of CSII can be influenced by other factors such as lifestyle, blood glucose management goals, and individual responses to previous treatments rather than strictly the type of diabetes diagnosed. This flexibility in treating both type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients highlights that diagnosis alone does not determine whether an individual can benefit from CSII therapy. Other attributes, such as proficiency in carbohydrate counting, prior experience with multiple daily injections, and consistent blood glucose monitoring, are indeed more critical prerequisites, as they indicate the patient's readiness and ability to manage their diabetes effectively with this advanced therapy.