Blood Sugar Management Flashcards

What is the recommended blood glucose target range (mg/dL) before meals for most non-pregnant adults with diabetes?

Answer: 80–130

The ADA recommends a preprandial glucose of 80–130 mg/dL for most non-pregnant adults with diabetes.

Which hormone is released by alpha cells of the pancreas when blood glucose drops dangerously low?

Answer: Glucagon

Glucagon, secreted by pancreatic alpha cells, signals the liver to release stored glucose during hypoglycemia.

A patient's continuous glucose monitor shows persistent readings above 250 mg/dL. Besides adjusting insulin, what should be checked first?

Answer: Urine or blood ketones

Persistent hyperglycemia above 250 mg/dL warrants ketone testing to rule out diabetic ketoacidosis.

Which type of insulin is most appropriate for correcting an unexpected spike in blood sugar two hours after a meal?

Answer: Rapid-acting (lispro/aspart)

Rapid-acting analogs like lispro or aspart act quickly enough to address post-meal glucose spikes effectively.

What effect does physical exercise typically have on blood glucose in a person with type 1 diabetes during moderate aerobic activity?

Answer: It generally lowers glucose by increasing insulin sensitivity

Moderate aerobic exercise increases insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake by muscles, generally lowering blood glucose.

The 'Rule of 15' for treating mild hypoglycemia recommends consuming 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates and then doing what?

Answer: Rechecking glucose in 15 minutes

After ingesting 15 g of fast-acting carbs, the patient should recheck glucose in 15 minutes and repeat if still low.

Which dietary factor has the greatest immediate impact on postprandial (after-meal) blood glucose levels?

Answer: Total carbohydrate content

Carbohydrate content is the primary dietary driver of postprandial glucose elevation.