The nurse is providing teaching 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 athletic event?" The nurse's best answer is which of the following?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

During an athletic event, the body burns more glucose for energy, which can lead to low blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia) in people with diabetes who are taking medications that lower blood sugar levels or insulin. The risk of other diabetic complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis, hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state, and impaired glucose tolerance is lower during physical activity.

The Nurse Is Providing Teaching to a Group of Patients