Evaluate discharge teaching for a client with type I diabetes mellitus. Which statement indicates teaching has been effective?

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Understanding how lifestyle choices affect insulin needs in type I diabetes is key for safe discharge teaching. Regular exercise increases glucose uptake by muscles and boosts insulin sensitivity, so many people with type I can reduce the amount of insulin they need on days they are active. This reflects solid instruction: it encourages monitoring blood glucose before, during, and after activity, adjusting insulin as advised, and having fast-acting carbohydrates ready to treat any drop in glucose during or after exercise.

In contrast, illnesses like infections typically raise blood glucose because the body releases stress hormones, so insulin needs usually go up rather than down. Weight loss is generally encouraged for overall health, but obesity does not directly explain a decreased insulin requirement in type I. And stress or emotional strain tends to raise glucose levels, not lower them.