MRCPUK Endocrinology and Diabetes (Specialty Certificate Examination) Sample Questions:

1. A 56-year-old man was referred to the diabetes clinic for conversion to insulin. He was taking metformin 1 g three times daily, gliclazide 160 mg twice daily and pioglitazone 45 mg daily. He drank no alcohol.
On examination, his body mass index was 41 kg/m2 (18-25). Abdominal examination showed a 2-cm, smooth, non-tender liver edge.
Which liver function test is the best marker of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in type 2 diabetes mellitus?

A) bilirubin
B) alanine aminotransferase
C) aspartate aminotransferase
D) alkaline phosphatase
E) gamma glutamyl transferase

2. A 33-year-old man was referred to the diabetes clinic with an 8-month history of weight loss and polydipsia. Two months previously his general practitioner had found a high fasting plasma glucose concentration of 17.5 mmol/L (3.0-6.0) and a haemoglobin A1c of 116 mmol/mol (20-42). The patient was taking metformin 1 g twice daily. He reported in the diabetes clinic that his home capillary blood glucose concentrations persisted to be high, ranging between 15-24 mmol/L.
On examination, his body mass index was 23 kg/m2 (18-25).
His blood tests were repeated in the diabetes clinic and he was treated with a basal bolus insulin regimen. Urinalysis was negative for ketones.
Investigations (in diabetes clinic):
haemoglobin A1c110 mmol/mol (20-42)
serum C-peptide200 pmol/L (180-360)
anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD)
antibodies69 IU/mL (<10)
anti-IA2 antibodiesnegative
What is the most likely diagnosis?

A) latent autoimmune diabetes in adults
B) maturity-onset diabetes of the young
C) type 1 diabetes mellitus
D) mitochondrial diabetes mellitus
E) haemochromatosis

3. A 24-year-old woman was referred with an 18-month history of worsening hirsutism, primarily on her face, but also new hair growth on her chest. She was shaving weekly. She had always been overweight, but had recently gained 5 kg and her body mass index was 31 kg/m2 (18-25). Her periods were regular.
What is the most relevant next investigation?

A) serum testosterone
B) serum dehydroepiandrosterone
C) serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone
D) overnight dexamethasone suppression test (after 1 mg dexamethasone)
E) plasma thyroid-stimulating hormone

4. A 27-year-old woman with type 1 diabetes mellitus was invited to attend a structured education (e.g. DAFNE) coursE.
Which quality of life domain is most affected when a person is found to have type 1 diabetes mellitus?

A) freedom to eat as one wishes
B) working life and work-related opportunities
C) enjoyment of leisure activities
D) sex life
E) family life

5. A 19-year-old man was seen in the diabetes clinic. He had lost 2 kg in weight since the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus 18 months previously. At presentation, his body mass index was 33 kg/m2 (18-25), his random plasma glucose was 18.0 mmol/L and his haemoglobin A1c was 56 mmol/mol (20-42). He was taking gliclazide, and metformin had been added later. His father and grandfather had developed diabetes mellitus during their twenties.
Investigations:
haemoglobin A1c56 mmol/mol (20-42)
serum C-peptide301 pmol/L (180-360)
anti-glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD)
antibodiesnegative
What is the most likely diagnosis?

A) type 2 diabetes mellitus
B) maturity-onset diabetes of the young
C) type 1 diabetes mellitus
D) latent-onset diabetes of autoimmunity
E) chronic pancreatitis

Solutions: