Final answer:
A nurse should educate clients on the importance of nutrition habits that can prevent or manage type 2 diabetes mellitus, such as reducing meat and processed foods, saturated fats, and including high fiber and omega-3 fatty acids in their diet. Lifestyle changes that incorporate healthy dietary choices, staying hydrated, and maintaining a healthy weight can significantly improve health outcomes for those at risk of or managing diabetes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nutrition Habits to Prevent Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
In educating clients on preventing type 2 diabetes mellitus through nutrition habits, a nurse should highlight the importance of dietary modifications to manage blood glucose levels and improve overall health. These modifications include:
- Consuming less meat and processed foods.
- Reducing intake of saturated fats.
- Increasing daily intake of fiber-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
- Limited consumption of saturated fats, recommending no more than 10% of total daily calories.
- Including omega-3 fatty acids in the diet through foods like fish, walnuts, and flax seeds.
Moreover, adopting a healthy diet and lifestyle can both prevent the onset and aid in the management of type 2 diabetes. Strategies include staying hydrated and avoiding sweetened beverages, making healthy fruit and vegetable choices, combining amino acids from plant foods to form complete proteins, limiting intake of sugar and salt, increasing omega-3 fatty acids, and maintaining a healthy weight.
Lifestyle changes that include moderate weight loss, regular physical activity, and consumption of a healthful diet can significantly reduce blood glucose levels and may eliminate the need for medication in some cases of type 2 diabetes.