For last week’s practice question, we quizzed participants on diabetes & the impact it has on communities. 82% of respondents chose the best answer. We want to clarify and share this important information, so you can pass it on to people living with diabetes and your colleagues, plus prepare for exam success!

Before we start though, if you don’t want any spoilers and haven’t tried the question yet, you can answer it below: Answer Question

Question: November is National Diabetes Month.  This month shines a spotlight on the 37 million people living with diabetes and the 96 million with prediabetes. Certain communities are hit harder with diabetes than others due to a combination of genetics and social determinants of health. 

Which of the following statements are most accurate?

Answer Choices:

1. Rates of diabetes are highest amongst Native Americans & Alaska Natives.
2. Higher income levels are associated with an increased prevalence of diabetes.
3. More than 50% of people over the age of 65 have diabetes.
4. People who don’t complete high school, have lower rates of diabetes related complications.

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Getting to the Best Answer

If you are thinking about taking the certification exam, this practice test question will set you up for success. Test writers anticipate possible answers based on the details in the question. They will wave those “juicy answers” right under your nose. Your job is to weed through the particulars, pluck out the most important elements and choose the BEST answer.

Answer 1 is correct. 82.45% chose this answer. “Rates of diabetes are highest amongst Native Americans & Alaska Natives.” YES, sadly, this is the best answer. For both men and women, prevalence of diagnosed diabetes was highest among American Indian and Alaska Native adults (13.6%), followed by non-Hispanic Black adults (12.1%), adults of Hispanic origin (11.7%), non-Hispanic Asian adults (9.1%) and non-Hispanic White adults (6.9%) (See CDC Appendix Table 3). As diabetes advocates, we can campaign for improved access to health care and address social determinants of health for communities at highest risk of prediabetes and diabetes.

Answer 2 is incorrect. 1.19% of you chose this answer. “Higher income levels are associated with an increased prevalence of diabetes.” People who have the lowest earnings and who don’t graduate high school have the highest rates of diabetes. Socioeconomic status and rates of diabetes are inversely related.

Answer 3 is incorrect. About 15.5% of respondents chose this. “More than 50% of people over the age of 65 have diabetes.” This is a tempting answer, but a little exaggerated. According to CDC Stats, 30% of people age 65 or live with diabetes.

Finally, Answer 4 is incorrect. 0.85% chose this answer. “People who don’t complete high school, have lower rates of diabetes related complications.” People who don’t graduate high school have the highest rates of diabetes and less resources to engage in preventive care.

We hope you appreciate this week’s rationale! Thank you so much for taking the time to answer our Question of the Week and participate in this fun learning activity!

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National Diabetes Month

November kicks off National Diabetes Month, a time to recognize that over 11% of Americans are living with diabetes and over 35% have prediabetes. Since diabetes results from a combination of genetics plus environment, there is a recognition that social determinants of health play a pivotal role in the development of diabetes and its complications. Through advocacy and education, we can inform individuals on best care for diabetes and support them in taking action to improve the health of their communities to prevent future diabetes. We have put together a list of FREE diabetes resources in English and Spanish to share with people living with prediabetes and diabetes. Thank you for your advocacy and belief that we can make a difference. Coach Beverly

All hours earned count toward your CDCES Accreditation Information

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