The nurse is developing a plan of care for a client with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). When providing teaching on lowering blood glucose levels and increasing serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, which instruction should the nurse include?

A. Monitor blood glucose levels daily: Monitoring glucose is important for tracking control but does not by itself lower blood glucose or increase HDL. It is a management tool rather than a direct intervention for improving metabolic health. B. Monthly appointments with the dietitian: Working with a dietitian supports long-term management, but monthly visits alone do not guarantee improved glycemic control or lipid levels. Lifestyle changes between visits have greater impact on these outcomes. C. Regular exercise with medical approval: Exercise promotes glucose uptake by muscles, lowers blood sugar, and increases HDL cholesterol. Consistent physical activity is one of the most effective nonpharmacologic strategies to improve both glycemic control and cardiovascular health in type 2 diabetes. D. Limit calories on days unable to exercise: Reducing calories occasionally is not a consistent strategy for controlling blood glucose or raising HDL. Effective improvement requires sustained dietary and activity patterns rather than sporadic restriction.