After following a structured diet, a patient diagnosed with diabetes mellitus is surprised to learn that his blood glucose levels have decreased and oral medications are no longer required

Question

What explanation regarding the impact of diet on diabetes management should the nurse give the patient?

1. Less body mass means less insulin is needed to maintain constant glucose levels.
2. Body mass reduces cellular resistance to insulin.
3. Reduced dietary intake of carbohydrates is responsible for the weight loss.
4. Reduced dietary intake results in a reduced need for insulin.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1
Insulin is needed by the body cells to facilitate glucose transport across cell walls. The greater the body's mass, the increase in likelihood the body's cells will become resistant to insulin. This will result in type 2 diabetes. The more mass in the body, the greater the resistance of the body's cells to insulin. The patient has reduced the amount of carbohydrates eaten to lose weight, but this response does not explain the patient's surprise in learning about the change in medication needs. The reduction in size has resulted in a lower body glucose level in response.