Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

How often should A1C testing be conducted for individuals meeting treatment goals according to current ADA guidelines?

1. Once a year

2. Twice a year

3. Every 3 months

4. Every 4 months

The correct answer is: Twice a year

According to current guidelines from the American Diabetes Association (ADA), individuals with diabetes who are meeting their treatment goals should have their A1C levels tested twice a year. This recommendation is based on the understanding that more frequent monitoring may not be necessary for those who consistently achieve their target A1C levels, as long as they are stable and not experiencing any changes in their treatment regimens or health status. Testing every six months allows healthcare providers to reassure that the individual is maintaining good glycemic control, adjusting treatment as needed based on the results, while avoiding the unnecessary burden of more frequent testing when stability is evident. In contrast, testing annually may not provide sufficient monitoring for those at higher risk of changes in their diabetes management, while testing every three months is typically recommended for individuals who are not meeting their glycemic targets or who are undergoing changes in their treatment plans. Testing every four months is not a standard recommendation and does not align with the ADA's evidence-based guidelines, as it suggests an unneeded frequency for stable patients.