Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

Which example of individual blood glucose monitoring (BGM) record keeping is considered the most appropriate?

1. Patient records BG with time, date, meds, food intake, and other activities in a spiral notebook instead of log sheet provided by MD

2. Patient allows meter to record all readings which he then brings to clinic for each visit

3. Patient writes BGs on log sheet but lists only values (no food, activity, etc)

4. Patient writes BGs in logbook that came with meter but includes limited details

The correct answer is: Patient records BG with time, date, meds, food intake, and other activities in a spiral notebook instead of log sheet provided by MD

The example of recording blood glucose monitoring in a spiral notebook is considered the most appropriate approach because it allows for comprehensive tracking of essential factors that can impact blood glucose levels, including time, date, medications, food intake, and any other activities. This level of detail provides healthcare providers with vital context when reviewing the patient’s blood glucose patterns and making informed decisions about diabetes management. Comprehensive records enable better analysis of how various factors influence blood glucose variations, which is crucial for tailoring treatment plans. By detailing medications and food intake alongside blood glucose readings, the patient can create a more robust picture of their management, facilitating more effective discussions during clinic visits. Other methods, while capturing blood glucose values, fall short in providing this integrative context. For example, relying solely on a meter to record readings without context may lead to missed insights about how specific actions or medications affect glucose levels. Meanwhile, simply noting glucose values without accompanying details regarding diet, activity, or medications limits the actionable information available for effective diabetes management.