Question

Hypoglycemia can be prevented during a dental appointment by making sure the insulin-dependent patient has:

A) fasted before treatment

B) taken extra insulin before treatment

C) eaten before treatment

D) skipped meals before treatment

Answer 1

Eating before treatment can prevent hypoglycemia during a dental appointment for an insulin-dependent patient.

Step-by-step explanation:

Hypoglycemia can be prevented during a dental appointment by making sure the insulin-dependent patient has eaten before treatment. Eating a meal before treatment ensures that the patient's blood glucose levels are stable and do not drop too low. This is important because low blood glucose can lead to hypoglycemia, which can be dangerous for an insulin-dependent patient.

Insulin injections assist with the transport and storage of glucose, typically decreasing blood glucose levels after a large or high-glucose meal. For insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) individuals, insulin helps lower blood glucose levels by facilitating the utilization of glucose by the body's cells. It's crucial for such patients to maintain blood glucose levels within a safe range through careful insulin management and dietary habits, such as eating smaller, more frequent meals to keep energy, blood glucose, and insulin levels stable.