How can you monitor your blood sugar levels at home? Blood Sugar Testing at Home.
The majority of diabetics should test their blood sugar (also known as blood glucose) levels on a regular basis. Knowing the outcomes allows you to fine-tune your disease-control plan.
Regular testing can also help you avoid long-term health issues that may arise as a result of the illness, such as:
Coronary artery disease
Stroke
Blood pressure that is too high
Cholesterol levels are high.
Blindness
Kidney disease is a condition that causes damage to the kidneys.
Problems with the skin
According to study, sticking to your target blood sugar and HbA1c levels lowers the risk of complications in people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
Test Your Blood Sugar in a Variety of Ways
Home glucose monitoring is a long-standing practice.
A lancet, a little, sharp needle, is used to prick your finger, and a drop of blood is placed on a test strip, which is then placed in a metre that displays your blood sugar levels. Make a note of the test results so you may share them with your doctor. As a result of your findings, you may need to make changes to your diet, activity, or medication.
How to check your sugar Levels at home?
The features, portability, speed, size, cost, and readability of metres vary (with larger displays or spoken instructions if you have vision problems). In around 15 seconds, the devices produce results and retain the data for later use.
Some metres can also calculate a blood sugar level's average over a period of time. Some models also come with software kits that collect data from the metre and display graphs and charts of your previous test results. At your local drugstore, you can get blood sugar metres and strips.
You can test your upper arm, forearm, base of the thumb, and thigh with some gadgets.
The blood sugar readings obtained from a fingertip stick may differ from these results. Changes in levels at the fingertips occur more quickly.
This is especially true when your blood sugar levels fluctuate rapidly, such as after a meal or exercise.Don't depend on test findings from other sections of your body if you have symptoms of low blood sugar.
Glucose monitoring system that is always on
Some of these gadgets come with insulin pumps built in. They're not as precise as glucose findings from a fingerstick.
They can, however, assist you in identifying patterns and trends in your blood sugar levels. Doctors refer to these as "interstitial glucose measuring devices."
If you opt for this treatment, your doctor will implant a small sensor beneath your skin that will check your blood sugar levels every 5 minutes. It delivers data to a monitor that you wear for a few days like a pager.
How to check your sugar Levels at home?
Continuous glucose monitoring won't take the role of checking your readings throughout the day. It provides your doctor with additional information on trends that self-checking may miss.
When Is It Appropriate to Test My Blood Sugar?
Each individual is unique. When and how often you should check your levels will be determined by your doctor.
Experts recommend monitoring your blood sugar at least three times a day if you use insulin more than once a day or if you use an insulin pump.
What Factors Might Influence My Outcomes?
If you have anaemia or gout, they may not be accurate. It can also affect the results if it's hot, humid, or you're at a high altitude. Vitamin C, too, can help.
Recalibrate your metre and inspect the strips if you're frequently getting unexpected results.
How to check your sugar Levels at home?
Except for pregnant people, the chart below indicates the optimal blood sugar ranges for most individuals. Your optimum range may differ from someone else's and fluctuate during the day, so talk to your doctor about your goals.
HbA1c and Blood Sugar Monitoring at Home
It's also a good idea to get your HbA1c level checked. Many home glucose monitors can show you your average blood sugar level, which is similar to the HbA1c test.
(mg/dL) Average Blood Glucose Level
When Should I Contact My Physician?
Consult your doctor about your blood sugar target range. Work together to devise a strategy for dealing with blood sugar levels that are either too high or too low, as well as when to contact your doctor. Learn how to recognise the signs of high or low blood sugar and what to do if you start to experience symptoms.
Observe It Over Time
Keep track of all of your lab results. Most glucose monitors offer this feature as well. Your records can help you see any issues or patterns.
These test results also assist your doctor in making any necessary changes to your meal plan, medication, or exercise routine. Bring these records to every appointment.
How to Check Your Blood Sugar in the Comfort of Your Own Home
How to check your sugar Levels at home?
Take the following steps:
Hands should be washed and dried thoroughly.
In your metre, place a test strip.
Use the lancet that is included with your test kit to prick the side of your fingertip.
Squeeze or massage your finger gently until a drop of blood comes.
Touch the edge of the test strip to the drop of blood and hold it there.
After a few seconds, the metre will display your blood glucose level on a screen.
Why Should You Check Your Blood Sugar Levels?
Blood glucose testing can assist you in managing diabetes by revealing:
How effective is your diabetic treatment plan?
What effect does exercise and eating have on blood sugar levels?
What effects stress and illness have on your levels
What is the effectiveness of your diabetes medication?
When your blood sugar levels are either high or too low, it's called hypoglycemia.
When Is It Appropriate to Test Your Blood Sugar?
It varies according to the type of diabetes you have:
Diabetes type 1 is the most common kind of diabetes. It's entirely up to you and your doctor. They may recommend that you test four to ten times per day. You could test before and after meals and snacks, before and after exercise, before bed, and even during the night, for example. If you're unwell, changing your regular routine, or starting a new medicine, you may need to check more frequently.
Diabetes type 2 is the most frequent kind of diabetes. It is determined by the diabetic drugs you are taking:
Insulin. Depending on the type and amount of insulin you use, your doctor may advise you to test several times a day. If you're taking numerous daily injections, you'll usually test before meals and before bedtime.
If you only use long-acting insulin, you may only need to test twice a day, before breakfast and dinner.
Medications. If you're taking diabetes medication, your doctor will tell you how often you should check your blood sugar.
Changes in your way of life. You may not need to test your blood sugar on a daily basis if you rely on nutrition and exercise.
Comments
Post a Comment