Diabetes mellitus in the Kenntnisprüfung
A chronic metabolic disease with raised blood glucose – an exam topic because nurses must immediately recognise the warning signs of high and low blood sugar (Über- und Unterzuckerung) and act correctly.
Content created with AI assistance from public clinical sources (RKI, AWMF) – may contain mistakes; if in doubt, your textbook is right
Translated from the German original, which is authoritative. The exam itself is in German.
Sample questions from exam preparation
Which fasting blood glucose (Nüchternblutzucker) range is considered normal?
- about 70–100 mg/dl (3.9–5.6 mmol/l)
- about 120–160 mg/dl (6.7–8.9 mmol/l)
- about 40–60 mg/dl (2.2–3.3 mmol/l)
- about 140–200 mg/dl (7.8–11.1 mmol/l)
Explanation: Fasting, about 70–100 mg/dl is normal. Fasting values of 126 mg/dl or more indicate diabetes; below 70 mg/dl the hypoglycaemic range begins.
What does the HbA1c value describe?
- The current blood glucose at the time the blood sample is taken
- The average blood glucose of the last 8–12 weeks
- The amount of insulin that the pancreas produces itself
- The average blood glucose of the last 24 to 48 hours
Explanation: HbA1c is the “blood sugar memory” (Blutzuckergedächtnis): the proportion of glycated haemoglobin reflects how well the metabolism has been controlled over the last two to three months.
Key German terms for Diabetes mellitus
- der Blutzucker (BZ) – blood glucose (blood sugar)
- den Blutzucker messen – to measure blood glucose
- die Unterzuckerung / die Hypoglykämie – hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- die Überzuckerung / die Hyperglykämie – hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
- Insulin spritzen / verabreichen – to inject / administer insulin
20 exam questions on Diabetes mellitus, plus case simulations with an AI examiner and graded feedback – practise until you feel confident.
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