Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

A patient recently diagnosed with diabetes stopped self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) due to cost. Which resource would be the least helpful?

1. Partnership for prescription assistance

2. Low-interest medical loan from a bank

3. Local health department's low-income program

4. NeedMyMeds.com assistance program

The correct answer is: Low-interest medical loan from a bank

A low-interest medical loan from a bank would be the least helpful resource for a patient who has stopped self-monitoring blood glucose due to cost concerns. This option requires the patient to take on additional debt, and may not address the immediate need for affordable diabetes management solutions or the urgency to resume SMBG practices. For someone already facing financial difficulties, additional loans may increase stress without providing a direct solution to the issue of accessing necessary supplies. In contrast, the other resources are designed to provide more immediate and accessible assistance. The Partnership for prescription assistance helps patients obtain medications at lower costs. The local health department's low-income program could provide access to vital healthcare services or supplies, ensuring the patient can continue to manage their diabetes effectively without significant financial burden. NeedMyMeds.com can assist with finding lower-cost medications or supplies, directly supporting the patient in their diabetes management efforts. These options focus on reducing costs and improving accessibility, making them far superior in addressing the patient's needs compared to a loan.