Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) should be performed more frequently in which of the following situations?

1. Presence of intercurrent illness

2. During preconception and pregnancy

3. To manage hypoglycemia unawareness

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is a crucial component of diabetes management, and its frequency should be adjusted based on individual circumstances. In this case, the answer encompassing all listed situations highlights the importance of tailored monitoring according to specific health conditions. The presence of intercurrent illness often leads to changes in blood glucose levels due to stress, hormonal fluctuations, or altered dietary intake and activity levels. Thus, individuals may need to monitor their glucose levels more regularly to understand and manage these fluctuations effectively. During preconception and pregnancy, SMBG is vital for ensuring optimal blood glucose control, which is essential for the health of both the mother and the developing fetus. Increased monitoring helps in adjusting insulin and managing dietary choices to minimize risks associated with gestational diabetes and other complications. Individuals with hypoglycemia unawareness are particularly at risk, as they might not experience the usual symptoms of low blood glucose. More frequent SMBG in this context is critical for timely interventions to prevent severe hypoglycemic events. Given these situations, it is clear that increased frequency of SMBG is beneficial and necessary across all scenarios presented, indicating that the correct answer reflects the comprehensive nature of diabetes management in various clinical contexts.