For a patient with type 2 diabetes and an A₁c of 8.5%, what is the most appropriate intervention?

In managing a patient with type 2 diabetes, especially one with an elevated A₁c level of 8.5%, education about carbohydrate counting is crucial. Carbohydrate intake has a direct impact on blood glucose levels. Understanding how to appropriately count carbohydrates allows the patient to make informed choices about their meals, helping to improve glycemic control.

Carbohydrate counting helps patients learn how different foods affect their blood sugar levels, enabling them to manage their insulin or medication doses accordingly. With this knowledge, patients can achieve better blood glucose control, which is vital for reducing long-term complications associated with diabetes.

While educating the patient about physical activity benefits is important and can contribute positively to overall health and glucose management, it may not address the immediate concern of high blood glucose levels as effectively as carbohydrate counting. Obtaining a 24-hour dietary recall record or a 3-day calorie count are more focused on analyzing the current dietary intake rather than providing actionable strategies for immediate changes in eating behavior. Thus, teaching carbohydrate counting is the most appropriate intervention to empower the patient to manage their diabetes more effectively.