Unlock hundreds more features
Save your Quiz to the Dashboard
View and Export Results
Use AI to Create Quizzes and Analyse Results

Sign inSign in with Facebook
Sign inSign in with Google

Diabetes Mellitus Postgraduate Final Exam Quiz

Challenge Your Clinical Endocrinology Knowledge Today

Difficulty: Moderate
Questions: 20
Learning OutcomesStudy Material
Colorful paper art illustrating a quiz on Diabetes Mellitus Postgraduate Final Exam

Are you preparing for the Diabetes Mellitus Postgraduate Final Exam? This interactive MCQ diabetes quiz is designed for clinicians and students aiming for postgraduate exam prep in endocrinology. Participants will deepen their understanding of pathophysiology, diagnostics, and diabetes management through realistic clinical scenarios. Customize or expand questions freely in our editor to suit your learning goals. Check out related Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Knowledge Test , explore our Diabetes Management Knowledge Assessment , or browse all our quizzes.

What fasting plasma glucose level is diagnostic of diabetes mellitus?
Fasting plasma glucose ≥100 mg/dL
Fasting plasma glucose ≥110 mg/dL
Fasting plasma glucose ≥126 mg/dL
Fasting plasma glucose ≥140 mg/dL
A fasting plasma glucose level of 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate occasions is diagnostic of diabetes mellitus. Levels between 100 and 125 mg/dL indicate impaired fasting glucose, and levels above these thresholds are not standard diagnostic cutoffs.
Which mechanism best describes the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes mellitus?
Excess hepatic glucose production
Autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells
Impaired incretin response in the gut
Insulin resistance in muscle and adipose tissue
Type 1 diabetes mellitus results from an autoimmune process that destroys insulin-producing β-cells in the pancreas. This leads to absolute insulin deficiency, unlike type 2 where insulin resistance predominates.
Which laboratory test reflects average glycemic control over the preceding three months?
Random plasma glucose
Hemoglobin A1c
Fasting insulin level
Fructosamine level
Hemoglobin A1c measures the percentage of glycated hemoglobin, reflecting mean blood glucose over approximately 8 - 12 weeks. Fructosamine reflects shorter-term control (2 - 3 weeks).
Which of the following is part of the classic triad of hyperglycemia symptoms?
Polyuria, polydipsia, polyphagia
Muscle cramps, polydipsia, weight gain
Visual blur, hypertension, neuropathy
Bradycardia, polyphagia, weight gain
The hallmark symptoms of hyperglycemia are polyuria (increased urination), polydipsia (increased thirst), and polyphagia (increased hunger). Other symptoms may occur but are not part of the classic triad.
What A1c value is considered the upper limit of normal in adults without diabetes?
7.0%
5.7%
6.5%
6.0%
An A1c below 5.7% is considered normal. Values from 5.7% to 6.4% indicate prediabetes, and 6.5% or higher on two occasions is diagnostic of diabetes.
Which process primarily contributes to microvascular complications in chronic hyperglycemia?
Acute insulin-mediated glucose uptake
Increased hepatic ketogenesis
Formation of advanced glycation end products
Excess glucagon secretion
Chronic hyperglycemia leads to the nonenzymatic glycation of proteins, forming advanced glycation end products that damage basement membranes in small vessels. This process underlies retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy.
What is the primary mechanism of action of metformin in type 2 diabetes management?
Stimulate pancreatic insulin secretion
Decrease hepatic gluconeogenesis
Enhance renal glucose reabsorption
Inhibit intestinal alpha-glucosidase
Metformin primarily works by reducing hepatic glucose production and increasing insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues. It does not directly stimulate insulin secretion.
When initiating insulin therapy in a type 2 diabetic patient uncontrolled on oral agents, which regimen is recommended first?
Once-daily basal insulin
Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion
Twice-daily premixed insulin
Three-times-daily rapid-acting insulin
Guidelines recommend adding a once-daily basal insulin to existing oral therapy for patients uncontrolled on oral agents. This approach simplifies management and reduces fasting glucose.
Which 2-hour plasma glucose value during an OGTT confirms a diagnosis of diabetes?
≥160 mg/dL
≥180 mg/dL
≥140 mg/dL
≥200 mg/dL
A 2-hour plasma glucose of 200 mg/dL or higher during an oral glucose tolerance test is diagnostic of diabetes mellitus. Values between 140 and 199 mg/dL indicate impaired glucose tolerance.
Which mediator primarily causes the early adrenergic symptoms of hypoglycemia?
Catecholamines
Glucagon-like peptide-1
Insulin
Cholecystokinin
During hypoglycemia, the sympathetic nervous system releases catecholamines (e.g., epinephrine) that cause tremors, palpitations, and anxiety. These adrenergic symptoms are an early warning sign.
Which hormonal imbalance drives ketone production in diabetic ketoacidosis?
Elevated incretin effect
Excess adiponectin secretion
High glucagon-to-insulin ratio
High insulin-to-glucagon ratio
In DKA, absolute or relative insulin deficiency combined with elevated glucagon stimulates free fatty acid release and hepatic ketogenesis. The high glucagon-to-insulin ratio is central to this process.
Which lipid parameter is the primary target to reduce macrovascular risk in diabetic patients?
Total cholesterol
LDL cholesterol
Triglycerides
HDL cholesterol
LDL cholesterol is the primary lipid target for reducing cardiovascular risk. Lowering LDL with statin therapy has proven benefit in diabetic macrovascular disease prevention.
What effect do GLP-1 receptor agonists have on gastric emptying and insulin secretion?
Accelerate gastric emptying and inhibit insulin secretion
Delay gastric emptying and enhance glucose-dependent insulin secretion
Delay gastric emptying and block insulin receptors
No effect on gastric emptying and direct insulin release
GLP-1 agonists slow gastric emptying and potentiate insulin secretion in a glucose-dependent manner. This dual action improves postprandial glycemic control.
Which insulin preparation is classified as rapid-acting?
Insulin detemir
NPH insulin
Insulin lispro
Insulin glargine
Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting analogue with an onset of action within 15 minutes. Glargine and detemir are long-acting analogues, while NPH is intermediate-acting.
How does a 5 - 10% weight loss improve glycemic control in type 2 diabetes?
Enhances insulin sensitivity in peripheral tissues
Reduces incretin hormone levels
Increases pancreatic beta-cell mass
Stimulates glucagon secretion
Modest weight loss decreases adipose tissue - derived insulin resistance factors, improving insulin sensitivity. This effect helps lower blood glucose without directly increasing insulin production.
A patient on basal insulin has high fasting morning glucose but normal bedtime readings. Which phenomenon is most likely, and what is the first diagnostic step?
Somogyi effect; increase bedtime snack
Dawn phenomenon; reduce basal dose
Somogyi effect; stop basal insulin
Dawn phenomenon; check 3 AM glucose
The dawn phenomenon causes early-morning hyperglycemia due to counterregulatory hormone surge; checking the 3 AM glucose level distinguishes it from the Somogyi effect. In Somogyi, nocturnal hypoglycemia triggers rebound hyperglycemia.
What mechanism explains euglycemic diabetic ketoacidosis seen with SGLT2 inhibitor therapy?
Excess insulin secretion leading to fat breakdown
Augmented hepatic glucose uptake causing lipolysis
Direct inhibition of ketone clearance by the kidneys
Increased glucagon-to-insulin ratio and enhanced ketogenesis despite lower glucose
SGLT2 inhibitors reduce plasma glucose via renal excretion, which can lower insulin levels and raise glucagon, promoting ketone body formation even when blood glucose is not markedly elevated.
Estimate the average glucose (eAG) in mg/dL for a patient with an A1c of 8.0% using the formula eAG = (28.7 à - A1c) âˆ' 46.7.
200 mg/dL
183 mg/dL
126 mg/dL
154 mg/dL
Applying the formula: (28.7 à - 8.0) âˆ' 46.7 = 229.6 âˆ' 46.7 ≈ 182.9 mg/dL, which rounds to 183 mg/dL. This conversion helps patients understand their A1c in real glucose terms.
Which feature differentiates hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state (HHS) from diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA)?
Presence of sufficient insulin to prevent significant ketosis
Elevated beta-hydroxybutyrate levels
Rapid onset over hours
Marked metabolic acidosis with high anion gap
In HHS, residual insulin activity suppresses ketogenesis, so patients exhibit extreme hyperglycemia and hyperosmolarity without significant ketosis or acidosis. DKA, by contrast, features pronounced ketone production and acidosis.
A 45-year-old patient with latent autoimmune diabetes (positive anti-GAD antibodies) should initially be treated with:
Sulfonylurea alone
Early insulin therapy
Lifestyle modification only
Metformin monotherapy
Latent autoimmune diabetes in adults typically progresses to insulin dependence due to autoimmune β-cell destruction. Early insulin therapy preserves remaining β-cell function and improves glycemic control.
0
{"name":"What fasting plasma glucose level is diagnostic of diabetes mellitus?", "url":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/QPREVIEW","txt":"What fasting plasma glucose level is diagnostic of diabetes mellitus?, Which mechanism best describes the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes mellitus?, Which laboratory test reflects average glycemic control over the preceding three months?","img":"https://www.quiz-maker.com/3012/images/ogquiz.png"}

Learning Outcomes

  1. Analyse complex patient cases involving diabetes mellitus complications
  2. Evaluate glycemic control strategies in postgraduate clinical settings
  3. Master interpretation of diagnostic criteria and relevant lab values
  4. Identify risk factors and pathophysiological mechanisms in diabetes
  5. Apply advanced pharmacological and lifestyle interventions effectively
  6. Demonstrate critical decision-making in insulin therapy management

Cheat Sheet

  1. Pathophysiology of Diabetic Nephropathy - Did you know that persistent high blood sugar can turn your kidneys into protein-leaking sieves by damaging the glomerular filters? Tracking the progression from microalbuminuria to macroalbuminuria is like following a detective trail, with proteinuria and serum creatinine as your key clues. Get ready to crack the case of renal dysfunction! Diabetic nephropathy
  2. Forms of Diabetic Neuropathy - From tingling toes to restless nights, diabetic neuropathy comes in many disguises: peripheral, autonomic, and focal. You'll explore how each subtype affects nerves differently, causing everything from numbness to digestive hiccups. Early detection is your secret weapon against long-term complications! Diabetic neuropathy
  3. Diagnostic Criteria for Diabetes Mellitus - Becoming a lab-value whisperer means mastering fasting plasma glucose, oral glucose tolerance tests, and HbA1c thresholds. Accurate interpretation turns raw numbers into life-changing diagnoses and treatment plans. Your patients (and exam graders) will thank you! Glycemic Control Guidelines
  4. Pharmacological Treatments for Type 2 Diabetes - Metformin, sulfonylureas, GLP-1 agonists… it's like assembling a superhero team to tackle hyperglycemia! You'll learn each drug's mechanism, benefits, and potential side effects to craft the perfect patient-centered plan. Suit up for a pharmacology adventure! Approaches to Glycemic Treatment
  5. Individualized Glycemic Targets & Lifestyle Modifications - Tailoring blood sugar goals to each person is where science meets art. Combining diet tweaks and exercise routines with medication can boost outcomes and keep things fun. Make lifestyle change a sustainable habit, not a chore! Lifestyle and Drug Synergy
  6. Risk Factors for Diabetic Complications - Hypertension, dyslipidemia, smoking - meet the usual suspects that accelerate complications. Comprehensive care means tackling these villains head-on to reduce long-term damage. Assemble your strategy to keep patients in tip-top shape! Managing Complication Risks
  7. Insulin Therapy Management - From basal to bolus, insulin regimens can feel like musical compositions - precision matters! You'll learn initiation, titration, and hypoglycemia monitoring so every dose hits the right note. Become the maestro of glycemic control! Insulin Therapy Guidelines
  8. Pathophysiological Mechanisms Underlying Diabetes - Insulin resistance and beta-cell burnout are the dynamic duo driving type 2 diabetes progression. Understanding how they interplay gives you the superpower to predict disease evolution and target treatments. Dive into the cellular drama! Diabetes Mechanisms Review
  9. Continuous Glucose Monitoring & SMBG - CGM and self-monitoring are your real-time window into blood sugar swings. These tools help fine-tune treatment plans, catch highs and lows early, and empower patients to take control. Study the data and watch your care decisions level up! Monitoring Best Practices
  10. Latest Clinical Guidelines & Evidence-Based Practices - Staying current with updates on medications, lifestyle strategies, and screening protocols keeps your practice cutting edge. Evidence-based care means better outcomes and happier patients. Keep refreshing those guidelines like your favorite playlist! Current Diabetes Care Guidelines
Powered by: Quiz Maker