Which instruction is the priority for a pregnant client with diabetes mellitus?

The priority instruction for a pregnant client with diabetes mellitus focuses on recognizing and managing hypoglycemia. This is crucial because during pregnancy, hormonal changes can affect blood sugar levels and insulin needs. Pregnant individuals with diabetes are at risk for both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, but the sudden drop in blood glucose levels can pose immediate and serious risks to both the mother and the fetus.

Understanding how to identify the signs of hypoglycemia—such as sweating, shakiness, confusion, and dizziness—and knowing the appropriate treatment, which often involves consuming fast-acting carbohydrates like fruit juice or glucose tablets, are essential skills. These skills help ensure rapid intervention if blood sugar levels drop too low, preventing potentially dangerous complications that can arise from untreated hypoglycemia.

While managing daily glucose testing, choosing appropriate snacks, and counting carbohydrates are also important components of diabetes management, they do not address the immediate risks associated with hypoglycemia. Addressing hypoglycemia first lays the foundation for safer overall diabetes management throughout the pregnancy.