Nutrition Therapy Flashcards

A patient with diabetes is on insulin and plans to exercise for 45 minutes. Which nutritional strategy is most appropriate to prevent hypoglycemia?

Answer: Consume 15–30g of fast-acting carbohydrates before exercise

Consuming 15–30g of rapidly absorbed carbohydrates before moderate exercise helps prevent exercise-induced hypoglycemia in insulin-dependent patients.

What percentage of total daily calories from fat is currently recommended by the ADA for adults with diabetes?

Answer: No specific percentage — fat quality matters more than quantity

The ADA no longer specifies an ideal fat percentage; current guidance emphasizes fat quality (type) rather than total fat quantity.

A patient with type 2 diabetes reports drinking 2 glasses of red wine nightly. What is the primary concern regarding alcohol and diabetes management?

Answer: Alcohol can cause delayed hypoglycemia, especially in insulin users

Alcohol inhibits hepatic glucose production and can cause delayed hypoglycemia 12–24 hours after consumption, particularly in patients on insulin or sulfonylureas.

Which statement best describes the effect of dietary fiber on glycemic control in type 2 diabetes?

Answer: Soluble fiber slows gastric emptying and reduces post-meal glucose spikes

Soluble fiber forms a gel that slows gastric emptying and carbohydrate absorption, which helps blunt post-meal blood glucose increases.

A 58-year-old patient with type 2 diabetes is following a very low calorie diet (VLCD) of 800 kcal/day. Which monitoring parameter is most important during this intervention?

Answer: Blood glucose levels and medication adjustments

VLCDs can dramatically lower blood glucose, requiring close monitoring and medication dose reduction to prevent hypoglycemia.

What is the recommended protein intake for a non-pregnant adult with well-controlled type 2 diabetes and normal kidney function?

Answer: 0.8–1.0 g/kg/day

The ADA recommends 0.8–1.0 g/kg/day of protein for adults with diabetes and normal kidney function, consistent with general population guidelines.

Which plant-based food is particularly beneficial for people with diabetes due to its high content of both soluble fiber and protein?

Answer: Legumes (beans, lentils, chickpeas)

Legumes provide soluble fiber that blunts glucose absorption and plant-based protein, making them especially valuable in diabetic meal planning.