A nurse is teaching a client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus about exercise. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
Explanation & Rationale
Rationale: A. Avoid eating for 2 hr before exercise: Skipping food increases the risk of hypoglycemia during or after exercise, especially when insulin is active. A pre-exercise snack is often recommended if glucose levels are low or activity is prolonged. B. Perform vigorous exercise when blood glucose is less than 100 mg/dL: Exercising with glucose below 100 mg/dL raises the risk of hypoglycemia. Clients should eat a carbohydrate snack before exercise if their glucose is under 100 mg/dL to maintain safe levels during activity. C. Examine your feet weekly: Foot care is essential for diabetes management, but feet should be checked daily, not weekly. Daily inspection allows early detection of sores, blisters, or infections, which can prevent severe complications. D. Do not exercise if ketones are present in your urine: The presence of ketones indicates insulin deficiency and potential diabetic ketoacidosis. Exercise in this state worsens hyperglycemia and ketosis, making it unsafe. Clients should avoid activity until glucose and ketone levels are controlled.