What are strategies for teaching self-management of diabetes?

• A. Fasting only.
• B. Carbohydrate counting, SMBG, insulin administration (if needed), sick-day rules, foot care, and problem-solving.
• C. Rely solely on medication.
• D. Only teach about diet.

Answer: (B)

Managing diabetes effectively requires a toolkit of skills that covers daily decisions, monitoring, and prevention. Carbohydrate counting helps people adjust their insulin or other meds to the amount of carbohydrate they eat, making glucose control more precise. Self-monitoring of blood glucose shows how meals, activity, and meds affect blood sugar, guiding real-time decisions. Insulin administration, when needed, provides the means to correct highs or manage persistent hyperglycemia safely. Sick-day rules help people modify care during illness, when glucose can rise and fluids and food intake may be disrupted. Foot care is essential to prevent ulcers and infections, a common complication. Problem-solving builds the ability to handle everyday challenges like variable schedules, exercise, or changes in medication.

This broad, practical approach is more effective than focusing on fasting alone, medication without patient management, or diet alone because it equips individuals to monitor, adjust, and protect their health across various situations, supporting sustained glycemic control and complication prevention.