Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

Which factor is associated with an increased risk of hypoglycemia?

1. Weight maintenance

2. Regular meal consumption

3. Increased physical activity without food adjustment

4. Higher carbohydrate intake

The correct answer is: Increased physical activity without food adjustment

Increased physical activity without food adjustment is linked to a higher risk of hypoglycemia because exercise enhances insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake by muscles. If a person engages in physical activity without adjusting their carbohydrate intake or medication dosage accordingly, their blood sugar levels can drop too low due to the increased utilization of glucose by active muscles. This is particularly relevant for individuals with diabetes who may be taking insulin or other glucose-lowering medications, as they may not have enough circulating glucose to meet the demands of increased physical activity. In contrast, weight maintenance, regular meal consumption, and higher carbohydrate intake generally contribute to more stable blood glucose levels, reducing the risk of hypoglycemia. Weight maintenance helps ensure that any necessary medications are dosed based on body weight and metabolic requirements, regular meals provide consistent calorie and carbohydrate intake to help balance blood sugar levels, and higher carbohydrate intake can offer sufficient glucose to prevent hypoglycemic episodes.