The nurse is providing instruction to a group of patients who are planning to participate in an athletic triathlon. Each member of the group has been diagnosed with either diabetes mellitus type 1 or type 2. A member of the group asks, "If we each follow our usual daily diabetic control routine, which diabetic complication is most likely to occur during this event?" What is the nurse's best answer?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During an athletic triathlon, the patients are likely to burn more calories than usual, which can cause low blood sugar levels. This can put them at risk for hypoglycemia, especially if they do not adjust their insulin doses or food intake appropriately. Diabetic ketoacidosis and hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state are more likely to occur in situations of uncontrolled hyperglycemia, which is less likely to happen during an athletic event where patients are more focused on their blood sugar monitoring and control. Impaired glucose tolerance is not a complication but rather a precursor to diabetes mellitus.

The Nurse Is Providing Instruction to a Group of Patients