Certified Diabetes Educator Practice Exam

The recommended pre-meal plasma glucose levels for non-critically ill hospitalized patients should be less than 140 mg/dL. This standard is established to optimize glycemic control while minimizing the risks associated with high blood sugar levels, such as prolonged hospitalization, increased risk of infections, and negative impacts on wound healing. Maintaining blood glucose levels within this range can significantly contribute to better patient outcomes during hospitalization.

The focus on a target of less than 140 mg/dL is based on evidence that indicates this threshold helps to prevent hyperglycemia-related complications, making it a practical guideline for managing diabetes in a hospital setting. This guidance reflects a balance between ensuring adequate management of diabetes and recognizing the physiological stress that can occur while a patient is hospitalized. Maintaining glucoses below this threshold aids in the effective treatment and monitoring of diabetic patients to prevent further complications.

Higher targets would not sufficiently address the risks associated with elevated glucose levels, which can lead to detrimental health outcomes for hospitalized patients.