Question

Joey is 22 years old and is about 20 pounds overweight. He was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes last year. Since then, he has been unable to lose weight, and his blood glucose levels have not fallen. Which of the following is the physician most likely to recommend next:

a) Increase carbohydrate intake
b) Intensify weight loss efforts
c) Reduce physical activity
d) Prescribe insulin therapy

Answer 1

If lifestyle changes and initial medications fail to control blood glucose levels in a patient with type 2 diabetes, the physician is likely to prescribe insulin therapy, involving regular insulin injections.

Step-by-step explanation:

Given Joey's condition of being 22 years old, overweight, and diagnosed with type 2 diabetes without improvements in his blood glucose levels through lifestyle changes, a physician is likely to have a two-pronged approach to his treatment.

Firstly, the endocrinologist may re-emphasize the importance of weight management, regular physical activity, and a balanced diet. However, since Joey is already struggling with these lifestyle adjustments and his blood glucose levels remain uncontrolled, further medical intervention is needed.

Considering this scenario and based on the information provided, the physician would most likely recommend the next step in treatment to be the introduction of medications. If these medications, which can increase insulin sensitivity and enhance its secretion, are not effective, the physician may then prescribe insulin therapy to manage Joey's blood glucose levels.

Prescribing insulin therapy would involve regular injections of insulin to aid in the regulation of blood glucose, a common practice for patients whose type 2 diabetes is not manageable via lifestyle changes and oral medications alone.