Question

The nurse is providing dietary instructions to help with diabetes control for a client newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus who will be taking insulin. The nurse should provide the client with which best instruction?

1. Eat meals at approximately the same time each day.
2. Adjust meal times depending on blood glucose levels.
3. Vary meal times if insulin is not administered at the same time every day.
4. Avoid being concerned about the time of meals so long as snacks are taken on time.

Answer 1

For diabetes management, eating meals at the same time each day helps stabilize blood glucose and insulin levels, which is vital when taking insulin injections.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best dietary instruction for a client newly diagnosed with diabetes mellitus who will be taking insulin is to eat meals at approximately the same time each day. Maintaining a regular meal schedule helps to keep blood glucose and insulin levels stable, which is crucial for effective diabetes management. This routine aligns with the pharmacokinetics of insulin injections, which are designed to decrease blood glucose levels after meals.

It's essential for patients to understand the relationship between meal timing, insulin administration, and blood glucose control. Eating several smaller meals throughout the day and incorporating regular physical activity can also help in stabilizing blood glucose levels.