Blood glucose self-testing is a critical part of practicing diabetes care. A self-testing tool is an essential tool enabling you to manage your diabetes and prevent complications. There are various devices, including a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) or a portable electronic device (known as a blood sugar meter), that can help you examine your blood sugar level at home by using a minute drop of your blood. Moreover, your doctor may even prescribe you a blood glucose monitor if your blood sugar fluctuates more often.
Why test your blood sugar?
Regular blood sugar testing offers you essential information associated with diabetes management. Some of the perks you can derive by testing your blood glucose level:
- Determine the effect of diabetes medications on your blood sugar levels.
- Spot out the blood sugar levels that are high or low.
- Record your progress during your journey to your overall treatment goals.
- Understand how following a proper diet, exercise, and routine can positively affect your blood sugar levels.
- Learn how other factors, including illness, stress, and tension, can negatively impact your blood glucose levels.
What to test your blood sugar levels?
The testing frequency typically depends on the type of diabetes you have and your treatment plan. However, your health care provider or your trusted doctor will prescribe you how often you should check your blood sugar levels.
Type 1 Diabetes
Your trusted health care professional may advise you to test your blood sugar levels, ranging from four to ten times per day if you are diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. You may need to try during the following period:
- Before meals and snacks
- Before and after exercise
- During the night (sometimes)
- Before bed
- More frequently, if you made changes in your daily routine
- More often if you're ill
- More often if you are starting a new medication
Type 2 Diabetes
Depending on the amount and type of insulin you use, your health care professional may advise you to test your sugar levels various times a day if you take insulin to manage type 2 diabetes. If you take multiple injections daily, your prescription may recommend you test your blood glucose level before meals and during bedtime. However, if you consume intermediate or long-acting insulin, you may require to test only before breakfast and dinner or at rest.
Additionally, suppose you can manage your type 2 diabetes by practicing proper diet, regular exercise, and non-insulin medications. In that case, you may not need to test your blood glucose levels on a daily basis.
