A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has diabetes mellitus. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide to the client to help prevent the development of nephropathy?

A. Voiding every 2 hr is incorrect because frequent urination is a symptom of hyperglycemia, not a preventive measure for diabetic nephropathy. This does not reduce the risk of kidney damage. B. Limiting protein intake is partially related to managing existing kidney disease, but protein restriction alone is not a primary preventive measure for diabetic nephropathy in clients with normal kidney function. C. Controlling hypertension is correct. Hypertension accelerates kidney damage in clients with diabetes by increasing glomerular pressure and contributing to nephropathy. Maintaining blood pressure within target ranges reduces the risk of developing diabetic kidney disease. D. Decreasing potassium intake is incorrect. Potassium intake does not prevent diabetic nephropathy unless kidney function is already impaired. Premature restriction is unnecessary and can be harmful.