Which teaching, included in the plan of care for a patient who has type 1 diabetes mellitus, would be most effective in reducing the development of complications?

Question

1. Self-monitoring of blood glucose levels
2. Effective foot care
3. Importance of early eye exam
4. Avoidance of simple carbohydrates in the diet

Answer 1

1
Rationale 1: Frequent monitoring of blood glucose levels facilitates necessary adjustments in diet, physical activity, and pharmacologic therapy.
Rationale 2: Effective foot care is an important risk reduction strategy but is not the most effective way to prevent the most complications.
Rationale 3: The patient with diabetes should have a yearly eye exam, but this is not the most effective way to prevent the most complications.
Rationale 4: The patient with diabetes should reduce the intake of simple carbohydrates, but this is not the most effective way to prevent the most complications.