Which assessment may be necessary if a patient recently started on insulin and experiences hypoglycemia?

Monitoring blood sugar levels is crucial when a patient starts on insulin, particularly if they are experiencing hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia, a condition characterized by abnormally low blood sugar levels, can occur in patients initiating insulin therapy as they may not yet have adapted to the new regimen. Regularly checking blood sugar helps to identify the exact times when levels drop too low and allows for appropriate interventions, such as adjusting food intake, activity levels, or insulin dosing.

Blood sugar monitoring also provides valuable feedback on how well the patient's body is maintaining glucose levels with the new insulin regimen and indicates whether further adjustments are necessary. By constantly evaluating these levels, healthcare providers can help the patient avoid severe hypoglycemic events and maintain better overall glucose control.

In this context, while other assessments like reviewing dietary habits, adjusting medication, or considering increased physical activity are important components of managing diabetes and can contribute to the overall treatment plan, they do not directly address the immediate concern of managing hypoglycemia in a new insulin user.