A patient with newly diagnosed diabetes asks the nurse what to take for low blood sugar. Which of the following would be most appropriate for the nurse to suggest?

A. Insulin is typically administered via injections or an insulin pump, not in pill form. Individuals with type 1 diabetes require exogenous insulin to manage their blood sugar levels because their pancreas does not produce insulin.
B. Carbohydrate counting is a fundamental skill for individuals with diabetes, as it allows them to adjust their insulin dosage to match their carbohydrate intake, thereby helping to manage blood sugar levels.
C. Regular foot monitoring is crucial for individuals with diabetes, as they are at increased risk of developing foot problems due to nerve damage (neuropathy) and poor circulation.
D. Maintaining blood glucose levels within the target range (80-130 mg/dL before meals) helps reduce the risk of both short-term complications (e.g., hypoglycemia) and long-term complications (e.g., neuropathy, retinopathy) associated with diabetes.

D. Alpha cells, also known as A cells, are a type of pancreatic islet cell (or islet of Langerhans cell) that secretes glucagon. Glucagon plays a crucial role in increasing blood sugar levels by promoting the breakdown of glycogen in the liver and stimulating the release of glucose into the bloodstream.
A. Plasma cells are a type of white blood cell that produces antibodies as part of the immune response. They are not involved in the production of glucagon.
B. Acinar cells are exocrine cells found in the pancreas that secrete digestive enzymes into the pancreatic ducts. These enzymes aid in the digestion of food in the small intestine. Acinar cells are not involved in the production of glucagon.

C. Beta cells are another type of cell in the pancreas, but they secrete insulin, not glucagon. Insulin is responsible for lowering blood sugar levels by promoting the uptake of glucose into cells for energy or storage.