Blood Sugar Management Flashcards

An A1C of 7.5% corresponds to an estimated average glucose (eAG) of approximately:

Answer: 169 mg/dL

An A1C of 7.5% corresponds to an eAG of approximately 169 mg/dL using the standard conversion formula.

What is 'insulin stacking' and why is it dangerous?

Answer: Giving correction doses before the previous dose has fully acted, risking severe hypoglycemia

Insulin stacking occurs when repeated correction doses overlap, leading to accumulative effect and severe hypoglycemia.

Which of the following is NOT a symptom of hyperglycemia?

Answer: Trembling and diaphoresis

Trembling and diaphoresis (sweating) are classic symptoms of hypoglycemia, not hyperglycemia.

How does stress affect blood glucose levels in people with diabetes?

Answer: Stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline raise blood glucose

Stress triggers the release of cortisol and adrenaline, which stimulate glucose production by the liver.

A patient on a basal-bolus insulin regimen forgets their lunchtime bolus dose. What is the MOST appropriate action?

Answer: Take a reduced bolus if still within the mealtime window and glucose is elevated

A partial correction bolus during the mealtime window is safer than skipping or doubling, minimizing hypo- and hyperglycemia risk.

Which laboratory value best reflects average blood glucose control over the past 2–3 months?

Answer: Glycated hemoglobin (A1C)

A1C reflects glycation of hemoglobin over the lifespan of red blood cells (~2–3 months) and serves as a long-term glucose marker.

Which of the following conditions can cause a falsely elevated A1C result?

Answer: Chronic kidney disease (uremia)

Uremia from chronic kidney disease can cause carbamylation of hemoglobin, which some assays read as glycated hemoglobin, falsely raising A1C.