Lewis's Medical Surgical Nursing in Canada, 5th Edition - Nursing Management: Diabetes Mellitus Related

Review Lewis's Medical Surgical Nursing in Canada, 5th Edition - Nursing Management: Diabetes Mellitus related questions and content

The nurse is caring for a patient with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus who asks the nurse what 'type 2' means in relation to diabetes. Which of the following statements by the nurse about type 2 diabetes is correct?

  • A. Insulin is not used to control blood glucose in patients with type 2 diabetes.
  • B. Complications of type 2 diabetes are less serious than those of type 1 diabetes.
  • C. Type 2 diabetes is usually diagnosed when the patient is admitted with a hyperglycemic coma
  • D. Changes in diet and exercise may be sufficient to control blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetes.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: For some patients, changes in lifestyle are sufficient for blood glucose control. Insulin is frequently used for type 2 diabetes, complications are equally severe as for type 1 diabetes, and type 2 diabetes is usually diagnosed with routine laboratory testing or after a patient develops complications such as frequent yeast infections.