Preparing for the Exam

Examination Development

The examination is prepared by NCBDE, with the advice and assistance of its contracted testing agency. Individual questions are developed by CDEs with expertise in diabetes education and are reviewed for relevancy, consistency, accuracy, and appropriateness by NCBDE.

Sample Questions

In the following questions, choose the one best answer. (Answers available at bottom of page)

  1. In persons with diabetes, the symptoms of serious psychological depression may resemble
    1. the "dawn phenomenon".
    2. the onset of nephropathy.
    3. symptoms of chronic hypoglycemic episodes.
    4. symptoms of chronic high blood glucose levels.
  2. According to the most recent American Diabetes Association Guidelines, a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus may be confirmed by the findings of
    1. weight loss.
    2. polydipsia and polyuria.
    3. two random plasma glucose levels of 145 mg/dL.
    4. two fasting plasma glucose levels of 135 mg/dL.
  3. According to the most recent American Diabetes Association Nutrition Guidelines, the recommended fat content for a diabetes meal plan is
    1. individualized.
    2. 10% of calorie intake.
    3. 30% of calorie intake.
    4. dependent on patient's age.
  4. According to DCCT participants striving for good control, some adverse effects of intensive treatment were
    1. multiple injections causing lipohypertrophy.
    2. marked hormonal changes requiring more insulin.
    3. weight gain and risk of severe hypoglycemia.
    4. insulin resistance caused by hyperinsulinemia.
  5. Metformin is an oral antidiabetic agent different than that of sulfonylurea drugs. Some features of the drug are that it
    1. stimulates insulin secretion and increases hepatic glucose production.
    2. causes hypoglycemia.
    3. lowers hyperglycemia in persons with diabetes, but does not lower blood glucose levels in persons who do not have diabetes.
    4. results in weight gain and increase in plasma insulin levels.
  6. Which of the following is a major clinical feature of hyperosmolar hyperglycemic nonketotic syndrome?
    1. large ketones
    2. profound dehydration
    3. nausea and vomiting
    4. severe acidosis
  7. A person with type 1 diabetes on a split-mixed dose of insulin complains of waking up with morning headaches. If the fasting capillary blood glucose level is 290 mg/dL, this person should be advised to
    1. increase evening meal dose of intermediate-acting insulin.
    2. increase morning dose of short-acting insulin.
    3. check blood glucose at 3 a.m.
    4. eliminate bedtime snack.
  8. One of the most important keys to successful management of type 2 diabetes is teaching the person
    1. meal planning.
    2. regular urine testing.
    3. signs and treatment of hypoglycemia.
    4. selection and use of over-the-counter medications.
  9. A 48-year-old man with type 2 diabetes wants to begin an exercise program. He has had diabetes for 8 years, takes no medication, monitors blood glucose twice a day, has no complications from diabetes, is 130% of ideal body weight, and follows a 1600 calorie meal plan. What adjustments to food intake, if any, should be suggested to him?
    1. He should carry a fast-acting carbohydrate with him.
    2. He should increase his diet by 300 calories to prevent hunger during exercise.
    3. He should increase his carbohydrate intake before exercising.
    4. There should be no change in diet.
  10. A man with type 1 diabetes is on a split-mixed dose regimen. For the past 5 days, his before-lunch glucose readings have been consistently high, but all other tests during the day have remained in the normal range. Which of the following insulin doses, if any, should be increased?
    1. morning intermediate-acting insulin
    2. morning short-acting insulin
    3. evening meal intermediate-acting insulin
    4. no change in insulin dose

Correct Answers to Sample Questions

  1. D
  2. D
  3. A
  4. C
  5. C
  6. B
  7. C
  8. A
  9. D
  10. B