The right time to test your blood sugar and the correct way to do it
According to the International Diabetes Federation, 42.5 crore people are dealing with diabetes globally. The number is expected to increase to 62.9 crores by 2045.
The data is shocking and alarming because not just the elderly, even kids as young as 6 months old are getting diagnosed with the disease.
Why should you test your blood sugar level?
As per the American Diabetes Association, testing the blood sugar levels helps one understand how food, physical activity, medication and other factors are affecting your blood glucose levels.
The right time to check your blood sugar levels
The perfect time to check the fasting glucose levels is right after your wakeup. And the right time to check postprandial (post-meal) glucose levels is two hours after you have your meals.
A gap of two hours after a meal must be maintained to get the correct reading.
This helps you choose the right foods and medication. When you test before your meal, it tells you how much medication you need and when you test two hours after eating, you know if your medicines are working fine for you.
When your medication is changed
When your doctor prescribes you a new medicine for diabetes, it's important to check if it's working fine for you.
The best way to do that is to check your blood sugar levels before taking the test and an hour after you take the medication.
Different times when you should check your blood sugar levels
- If you are someone who is newly diagnosed with high blood sugar, it's important for you to take the blood sugar test more often. Note down this data and share with the doctor, it will help him shape an appropriate treatment plan for you.
- If you take insulin, doctors will recommend you to take three or more blood sugar readings throughout the day.
Generic plan for people with type 2 diabetes
People suffering from type 2 diabetes should follow a specific schedule coinciding with their specific daily events.
They should test their blood sugar level before all three meals, after a workout and before bedtime.
People who cannot test so often
People who work on the keyboard, it can be painful for them to work with pricked fingers. It's best for you to consult your doctor and get a new schedule made for you.
The right way to test your blood sugar levels
- Wash your hands and dry them properly with the help of a clean cotton towel (food and dirt on a finger can give an inaccurate reading).
- Do not put too little or too much blood on the test strip.
- Try to prick the side of the fingertip.
- Follow a consistent schedule to test your blood sugar levels.
Read here: Factors that can give you an inaccurate blood sugar reading
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article should not be considered as a substitute for a physician's advice. Please consult your treating physician for more details.