Final answer:
A nurse should tell a child with T1DM that insulin is necessary for the body to use sugar for energy. This is because their body cannot produce sufficient insulin on its own, which is essential for blood sugar regulation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct statement the nurse should make to a school-age child with a new diagnosis of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is: C. "Insulin is necessary for your body to use sugar for energy." Insulin therapy is a crucial component of managing T1DM, as individuals with this condition do not produce enough insulin naturally. Insulin helps to lower blood glucose levels by allowing sugar to enter the cells, which is used for energy.
It is important to note that:
- Answer A is incorrect because individuals with T1DM need to continue taking insulin even when blood sugar levels are normal to maintain those levels.
- Answer B is incorrect because regularly checking blood sugar levels is necessary to manage diabetes effectively.
- Answer D is incorrect because a healthy diet is an essential part of managing diabetes, even after one has been diagnosed.