Answer:
The nurse recognizes that the diabetic client understands the principles of her diet when she states:
"I need to monitor my carbohydrate intake and choose complex carbohydrates over simple sugars." Understanding the role of carbohydrates in diabetes management is essential. The client should be aware of the need to monitor carbohydrate intake and opt for complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, vegetables, and legumes, which have a slower impact on blood sugar levels compared to simple sugars.
"I should eat regular meals and snacks to maintain stable blood sugar levels throughout the day." Consistency in meal timing and spacing is important for managing blood sugar levels. Eating regular meals and incorporating healthy snacks can help maintain stable glucose levels and prevent extreme fluctuations.
"I need to limit my intake of sugary beverages and opt for water or unsweetened drinks instead." Sugary beverages can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels. Understanding the importance of choosing water or unsweetened drinks over sugary options demonstrates knowledge about avoiding added sugars and managing blood glucose levels.
"I should include lean proteins and healthy fats in my meals to promote satiety and balance my blood sugar levels." Including lean proteins, such as poultry, fish, or tofu, and healthy fats, such as avocados, nuts, and olive oil, can help slow down the digestion and absorption of carbohydrates, leading to more stable blood sugar levels.
"I need to read food labels to check for hidden sugars and choose foods with lower glycemic index values." Reading food labels and being mindful of hidden sugars is important for making informed food choices. Understanding the concept of glycemic index and aiming for foods with lower glycemic index values can help manage blood sugar levels more effectively.
"I am aware that portion control is crucial, and I should use measuring tools to ensure appropriate serving sizes." Recognizing the significance of portion control and the use of measuring tools to maintain appropriate serving sizes is an important aspect of diabetes management. This helps in regulating carbohydrate intake and controlling blood sugar levels.
These statements indicate that the client understands the key principles of a diabetic diet, including carbohydrate monitoring, meal consistency, sugar avoidance, inclusion of lean proteins and healthy fats, reading food labels, and portion control.
Step-by-step explanation: