Final answer:
A patient beginning glipizide therapy for type 2 diabetes should avoid drinking alcohol and take the medication 30 minutes before a meal to avoid hypoglycemia and ensure effective blood glucose control. So, the correct answer is option D. take the drug 2 hours after a meal.
Step-by-step explanation:
When discussing glipizide (Glucotrol) therapy with a patient being treated for type 2 diabetes mellitus, it's important to provide comprehensive instructions to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment and minimize potential side effects. Glipizide is a member of the sulfonylurea class of medications which helps to stimulate the pancreas to secrete more insulin.
One of the most important pieces of advice to give a patient starting on glipizide is to avoid drinking alcohol as it can lead to an increased risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels). Hypoglycemia is a major side effect of sulfonylurea medications, manifested by symptoms such as hunger, sweating, shakiness, and weakness.
In addition to this, patients should be advised to take glipizide 30 minutes before a meal, typically before breakfast, to ensure better absorption and more effective blood glucose control. It is not recommended to take the drug 2 hours after a meal.
This helps stabilize blood glucose levels more consistently throughout the day, particularly when paired with a diet that includes several smaller meals rather than a few larger ones, as this also helps to keep energy, blood glucose, and insulin levels stable.
The patient does not need to urinate every 4 hours or sit or stand for 30 minutes after taking the drug, as these are not relevant instructions for glipizide treatment.
So, the correct answer is option D. take the drug 2 hours after a meal.