Question

Covina is a 16-year-old girl with newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetes. She is 5ft 2 in. tall, weighs 115 lbs, and is active in taekwondo and the choir in school. She often participates in inter-school competitions. Her attending physician is in the process of regulating the dosage and timing of her insulin regimen.

She is to check and record her blood sugar level each morning for 30 minutes before taking her medications/breakfast. Presently, she has prescribed Metformin 250 mg one tablet 30 minutes before breakfast and Tojou 10 units at bedtime. As her parents are both working abroad, she lives with her Grandmother, who is supportive of her studies and interests.  

Covina expressed worry about keeping up with her peers and how diabetes will affect her performance level in taekwondo. She signified willingness to modify her diet as necessary but would prefer that her food be steamed rather than fried. She has a schedule to see you for her diabetic 

Describe the state of evidence regarding diet therapy in the management of diabetes.

1. What guidance can you offer for Covina?

2. What signs and symptoms of diabetes control must Covina understand to manage her condition? What should she do to correct the hypoglycemic states she may experience?

3. Using the table below, design diet therapy and teaching-learning sessions to address Covina’s needs.