A nurse is providing teaching to an adolescent who has type 2 diabetes mellitus and a new prescription for metformin. Which of the following Instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

A. "Expect the medication to cause constipation for the first few days of therapy." Metformin more commonly causes diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal discomfort, not constipation. B. "Take the medication at the same time each day." Consistent dosing helps maintain stable blood glucose levels. Metformin is usually taken once or twice daily with meals. C. "This medication is used for short-term therapy until your symptoms improve." Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition. Metformin is often used as a long-term maintenance therapy. D. "Take this medication 1 hour before meals." Metformin should be taken with meals to reduce gastrointestinal side effects, not on an empty stomach.