Final answer:
For a patient starting acarbose therapy for type 2 diabetes, it is important to increase fiber intake, especially soluble fiber, which can help control blood sugar levels and may also reduce cholesterol.
Step-by-step explanation:
A health care professional discussing acarbose (Precose) therapy with a patient for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus should include dietary recommendations that support the pharmacological action of the drug. Acarbose is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor, which works by slowing down the digestion of carbohydrates in the body to help control blood sugar levels. Therefore, it is important to complement the medication's effectiveness with appropriate dietary habits.
The most relevant instruction from the options provided is to increase fiber intake, particularly soluble fiber. Soluble fiber can help control blood sugar by slowing the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream and may also help to reduce cholesterol levels. Foods high in soluble fiber include fruits, vegetables, and legumes, and they are an essential part of managing diabetes through diet.
While the other options listed, such as eating more iron-rich foods, avoiding grapefruit juice, and avoiding green tea, might have various effects on health and wellness, they are not specifically associated with acarbose therapy for type 2 diabetes and therefore are not the correct answer in this context.