How and when to test your blood sugar with diabetes

While most of us might want to check our blood sugar levels once in a while to ensure that we’re hale and hearty, those with diabetes need to monitor their blood sugar levels regularly so that any subtle changes can be taken note of. Regular monitoring of the blood sugar levels also helps manage the condition so that any future complications can be avoided. Here’s how you can test your blood sugar and also the best time to do so.

Fingertip Meters: There are meters that allow you to test your blood sugar levels by using blood from your fingertips. A small, sharp needle is used to pierce the thumb or finger and is called a ‘lancet’. The blood from the lancet can then be transferred to a thin strip. This test strip has to be inserted into a testing meter that displays the results in less than fifteen seconds. Sometimes the results might not be displayed even after more than twenty seconds, which means that the test has not been performed properly. In such a case, you should repeat the entire process and get a proper reading. Meters that tell you your average blood sugar level over a period of time and show you charts and graphs of your past test results are also available nowadays. You can get blood sugar meters and strips at your local pharmacy.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring System: Also called interstitial glucose measuring devices, these devices are combined with insulin pumps and can show the trends and patterns that have occurred in your results over time.

Meters that test other body sites: Alternate options that allow you to test your blood sugar from other body sites such as the base of the thumb, upper arm, forearm and thigh are also available. Even though there are many sites in the body that can be tested for blood sugar, the fingertip is one place that gives an accurate reading because it can detect the slightest of changes, especially those that occur right after you have a meal or a workout session. Hypoglycaemic people should use their fingertips to test blood sugar levels.

For diabetic people, it is imperative to check their sugar levels multiple times a day. Anytime you feel that your blood sugar might fall lower than normal, you should check your blood sugar levels. It is recommended to check your sugar levels before meals, workouts, before driving and before going to bed. It is also important to seek a professional opinion about the same so that any other conditions may be taken into consideration before recommending how often and when you should check your blood sugar levels.