A client with type 2 diabetes on a single daily oral hypoglycemic tablet asks whether an extra pill should be taken before exercise. The best response by the nurse is:

• A. You will need to decrease your exercise.
• B. An extra pill will help your body use glucose correctly.
• C. When taking medicine, your diet will not be affected by exercise.
• D. No, but you should observe for signs of hypoglycemia while exercising.

Answer: (D)

Managing the risk of hypoglycemia during exercise is the key idea here. Exercise makes muscles take up glucose more readily, and some oral diabetes meds can raise the chance of low blood sugar. Adding another pill before activity could push glucose too low, so that isn’t advised. The safest response is to avoid an extra dose and monitor for signs of hypoglycemia while exercising. If symptoms appear—like sweating, shakiness, dizziness, or confusion—the person should stop, check their blood glucose, and treat with a fast-acting carbohydrate if it’s low. Diet and activity interact with medication, so it’s not correct to say exercise won’t affect diet or glucose needs.