Diabetes Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield Diabetes facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. What is the recommended blood glucose target range (mg/dL) before meals for most non-pregnant adults with diabetes? → 80–130
2. Diabetes can lead to all of the following, with the exception of: → Tinnitus
3. When applying behavior change theory, 'self-efficacy' in the context of diabetes education refers to: → A patient's belief in their ability to perform specific diabetes self-care behaviors
4. In Diabetes practice, what is the FIRST step when a safety hazard is identified in the workplace? → Immediately secure the area and report the hazard
5. Which of the following best describes insulin resistance in Type 2 diabetes? → Cells do not respond effectively to insulin's signal to take up glucose
6. All of the following may result in hyperinsulinemia, with the exception of: → Type 1 diabetes
7. Except for one of the following problems, untreated hyperglycemia can cause: → Vitiligo
8. Which feature of a hybrid closed-loop insulin delivery system automatically adjusts insulin delivery? → Algorithm that responds to CGM readings
9. Glucagon emergency kits are prescribed for patients with type 1 diabetes on insulin. What is the standard adult IM dose? → 1 mg
10. A patient's fasting blood glucose is consistently elevated despite adequate evening basal insulin. The most likely explanation is: → The Somogyi effect — nocturnal hypoglycemia followed by rebound
11. Which assessment finding would BEST indicate that a patient's hypoglycemia management education has been effective? → The patient correctly describes the 15-15 rule and when to seek emergency care
12. Which finding during patient evaluation MOST strongly suggests insulin injection technique as a contributing factor to erratic glucose control? → Presence of lipohypertrophy at injection sites with inconsistent glucose readings
13. A diabetes educator is evaluating a newly diagnosed patient's health literacy. Which technique is BEST for quickly assessing comprehension? → Ask the patient to restate key information in their own words using the teach-back method
14. Which validated tool is specifically designed to measure diabetes-related emotional distress rather than general depression? → Diabetes Distress Scale (DDS)
15. For a patient with Type 2 diabetes starting basal insulin, the typical starting dose is: → 10 units once daily or 0.1–0.2 units/kg/day
16. Which eye complication requires urgent ophthalmology referral in a patient with Type 1 diabetes? → Proliferative diabetic retinopathy
17. What is the first step in evaluating a patient with suspected diabetes? → Assess the patient's medical history and risk factors
18. The blood gases of a patient show diabetic acidosis. The nurse should prepare for: → Decreased HCO3
19. Which of the following best describes the recommended approach to resistance training for adults with type 2 diabetes? → 2–3 sessions per week targeting all major muscle groups with 8–12 repetitions per set
20. Which educational strategy is MOST appropriate for teaching carbohydrate counting to a visual learner? → Using food models, portion charts, and color-coded reference cards
21. What is the value of continuing education in exercise and activity for Diabetes professionals? → It keeps professionals current with evolving standards and practices
22. What is the primary mechanism by which pregnancy causes insulin resistance? → Secretion of placental hormones such as human placental lactogen
23. A patient on liraglutide reports persistent nausea. What is the recommended counseling strategy? → Start at the lowest dose and titrate slowly; nausea often improves over time
24. Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of which serious outcome in U.S. adults aged 20-74? → New cases of blindness
25. What physiological change primarily explains why postprandial glucose spikes are higher in type 2 diabetes compared to healthy individuals? → Impaired first-phase insulin secretion
26. Which personal protective equipment (PPE) principle applies to ALL Diabetes certified professionals regardless of their specific role? → PPE must be properly fitted, maintained, and replaced as needed
27. In Diabetes practice, what is the best approach to quality improvement in nutrition and diet? → Use data-driven methods with measurable outcomes
28. A patient who successfully treated mild hypoglycemia at home with juice now has a glucose of 310 mg/dL one hour later. What is the most likely explanation? → Over-treatment of hypoglycemia with excess carbohydrates causing rebound hyperglycemia
29. In Diabetes practice, what is the best approach to quality improvement in type 1 diabetes? → Use data-driven methods with measurable outcomes
30. Which benefit of exercise is MOST directly related to improving Type 2 diabetes management? → Enhanced skeletal muscle glucose uptake through GLUT4 translocation