Blood Glucose testing

Diabetes is a common disease, yet every individual needs unique care. We encourage people with diabetes and their families to learn as much as possible about the latest medical therapies and approaches, as well as healthy lifestyle choices. Good communication with a team of experts can help you feel in control and respond to changing needs.

Checking Your Blood Glucose

Blood glucose (blood sugar) monitoring is the main tool you have to check your diabetes control. This check tells you your blood glucose level at any one time.

Who Should Check?

Talk to your doctor about whether you should be checking your blood glucose. People that may benefit from checking blood glucose include those:

·         taking insulin

·         that are pregnant

·         having a hard time controlling blood glucose levels

·         having low blood glucose levels

·         having low blood glucose levels without the usual warning signs

·         have ketones from high blood glucose levels

How Do I Check?

1. After washing your hands, insert a test strip into your meter.
2. Use your lancing device on the side of your fingertip to get a drop of blood.
3. Touch and hold the edge of the test strip to the drop of blood, and wait for the result.
4. Your blood glucose level will appear on the meter's display.

Note: All meters are slightly different, so always refer to your user's manual for specific instructions.

Other tips for checking:

·         With some meters, you can also use your forearm, thigh or fleshy part of your hand.

·         There are spring-loaded lancing devices that make sticking yourself less painful.

·         If you use your fingertip, stick the side of your fingertip by your fingernail to avoid having sore spots on the frequently used part of your finger.

What Are the Target Ranges?

Blood glucose targets are individualized based on:

·         duration of diabetes

·         age/life expectancy

·         comorbid conditions

·         known CVD or advanced microvascular complications

·         hypoglycemia unawareness

·         individual patient considerations.

The American Diabetes Association suggests the following targets for most nonpregnant adults with diabetes. More or less stringent glycemic goals may be appropriate for each individual.

·         HbA1C: 7%
HbA1C may also be reported as eAG: 154 mg/dl

·         Before a meal (preprandial plasma glucose): 80–130 mg/dl

·         1-2 hours after beginning of the meal (Postprandial plasma glucose)*: Less than 180 mg/dl