Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist (CDCES) Practice Exam

Which factor is NOT associated with the accuracy of self-monitoring of blood glucose?

1. Temperature

2. Polycythemia

3. Variations in hematocrit

4. Ibuprofen

The correct answer is: Ibuprofen

Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is an essential component of diabetes management, and several factors can influence its accuracy. Among the listed factors, ibuprofen is not typically associated with the accuracy of glucose readings. Temperature, polycythemia, and variations in hematocrit can all impact blood glucose measurements. For example, extreme temperatures can affect the performance of glucose meters and test strips, potentially leading to inaccurate readings. Polycythemia, which is an increase in red blood cell mass, can alter the viscosity of blood and might affect the diffusion of glucose into the serum, thereby impacting the accuracy of SMBG. Variations in hematocrit, the proportion of blood volume that consists of red blood cells, can also affect measurement accuracy, as glucose meters can provide erroneous results when hematocrit levels are outside the normal range. Ibuprofen, however, is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that primarily acts by inhibiting certain enzymes related to inflammation and does not directly influence glucose readings or the mechanics of how blood glucose meters operate. Thus, it does not have a recognized impact on the accuracy of self-monitoring blood glucose.