The nurse is instructing a newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetic who has been prescribed SQ insulin. In addition to all of the insulin and glucose monitoring education, what will the nurse tell the patient to have with them or have access to at all times? Select one: A. Extra insulin B. A source of sugar C. An Epi-pen D.
The correct answer and explanation is:
Correct Answer: B. A source of sugar
Explanation:
For a newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetic, having access to a source of sugar at all times is essential. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition where the pancreas produces little or no insulin, requiring patients to administer insulin via subcutaneous (SQ) injections daily. While insulin helps regulate blood glucose levels, it also poses the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if too much insulin is taken, meals are missed, or the person exercises more than usual without adjusting their carbohydrate intake.
Why a source of sugar is critical:
- Hypoglycemia can be life-threatening if not promptly treated. Symptoms include shakiness, confusion, sweating, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, and even loss of consciousness or seizures in severe cases.
- Quick-acting sugars, such as glucose tablets, juice, candy (like jelly beans or hard candy), or regular soda, can rapidly raise blood glucose levels.
- The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends that individuals with diabetes carry at least 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrate in case of hypoglycemia.
Why not the other options?
- A. Extra insulin: While important, extra insulin does not treat low blood sugar. Administering more insulin during hypoglycemia would worsen the situation.
- C. An Epi-pen: This is used for severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), not diabetes.
- D. A cell phone: Although helpful for emergencies, it cannot treat hypoglycemia directly and is not as immediately life-saving as sugar.
Summary:
The nurse must emphasize to the patient that carrying a fast-acting sugar source is a crucial self-management strategy to quickly correct low blood glucose and prevent a medical emergency.