What dietary instructions should a nurse give to a client on insulin therapy?

For a client on insulin therapy, choosing regular meal times and balanced meals is crucial in managing blood sugar levels effectively. Regular meal times help in synchronizing the action of insulin with food intake, which is essential for maintaining stable glucose levels. When meals are consumed at consistent times, it reduces the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) that can occur if insulin is not matched properly with carbohydrate intake.

Balanced meals that include appropriate portions of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats provide the necessary nutrients while also helping to prevent drastic spikes or drops in blood sugar levels. Carbohydrate counting remains an important practice for individuals on insulin therapy, as it helps in determining the correct insulin dose needed for carbohydrate intake.

Moreover, while it's important to manage dietary fat intake for overall health, high-fat meals can actually lead to delayed gastric emptying, which might complicate blood sugar control. Therefore, consistent meal timing and balanced nutrition is the best approach for those on insulin therapy.