The nurse is teaching a patient recently diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) about the disease. What information should the nurse include?

C. Monitoring blood sugar levels regularly, as recommended by the doctor, is crucial for managing type 2 diabetes effectively. It helps patients track their glucose levels, identify patterns, and make informed decisions about medication, diet, and lifestyle choices to maintain optimal blood sugar control.
A. Drinking orange juice to treat high blood sugar is not recommended because it can cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels due to its high sugar content. Instead, patients should focus on consuming foods or beverages with lower glycemic index values and more stable glucose responses.
B. Regular physical activity is an essential component of diabetes management as it helps improve insulin sensitivity, lower blood sugar levels, control weight, and reduce the risk of complications. Patients with diabetes are encouraged to engage in regular exercise as part of their overall treatment plan.
D. Eating a diet high in carbohydrates can lead to spikes in blood sugar levels, which can be detrimental for individuals with type 2 diabetes. Instead, patients are encouraged to follow a balanced diet that includes a variety of nutrient-rich foods, with a focus on whole grains, lean proteins, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables, while moderating carbohydrate intake.

A. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the body's immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. As a result, the pancreas produces little to no insulin, which is essential for regulating blood glucose levels.
B. Type 1 diabetes is not reversible. It is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing management with insulin therapy. While diet, exercise, and weight management are important for overall health and can help manage blood glucose levels, they cannot reverse type 1 diabetes.
C. This description is characteristic of type 2 diabetes, not type 1. In type 2 diabetes, the body’s cells become resistant to the effects of insulin, and the pancreas may not produce enough insulin. In type 1 diabetes, the problem is the lack of insulin production due to autoimmune destruction of the pancreatic beta cells.
D. Insulin is not released into the gastrointestinal tract. Insulin is a hormone that is released into the bloodstream by the pancreas. Its primary role is to help regulate blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into the body's cells for energy.