Blood sugar testing is essential for all people with diabetes because blood sugar level can't be precisely determined by symptoms alone. This applies equally to both Type 1 and Type II diabetes.
For patients who take insulin, self-testing provides more exact dosage adjustments. There's no prescribed recommendation for testing frequency for those with type 2 diabetes who are on oral medication or who control their diabetes through diet and exercise only. However, the American Diabetes Association does state that self-monitoring of blood sugar may be advantageous in order to achieve blood glucose targets.
Regular blood sugar testing can help you:
- Interpret how food, exercise, illness, and other factors impact your blood sugar levels
- Improve your blood glucose control by utilizing what you've learned to your diabetes care plan
- Track how well your diabetes care program is working and make knowledgeable treatment decisions with your health care team
- Keep blood sugars in range.
For diabetics to properly check their blood glucose levels, they'll require the following supplies and equipment:
1. A glucose meter
2. Alcohol pads
3. Sterile finger lancets
4. Sterile test strips
At this time, glucose meters supply the whole set of tools for the diabetic to use. Different glucose meters have various prices and capabilities.
If in doubt, it's advisable for the diabetic to check with his or her doctor who can recommend a specific type and brand for the diabetic's use.
Different models of glucose meters cater to the unique needs of individual patients. Some are smaller and more portable, have more memory, etc.
But be aware that every added feature comes with an additional price tacked onto it. A physician can help you decide which meter is perfect for you.
Before actually taking a self-test, the diabetic MUST follow these 5 essential steps:
1. Wash your hands carefully and completely with soap and water.
2. Wipe the area to be pricked with an alcohol swab
3. Using a fresh, sterile lancet, prick the finger-tip
4. Position a droplet of blood onto the tip of the sterile test strip
5. Follow the glucose meter instructions carefully to ensure proper testing and checking.
It's beneficial for the diabetic patient to keep a notebook or a log to monitor his or her glucose levels at varied times of the day or week. The minimum number of times per day you test should be provided to you by your doctor. Blood sugar testing can be a dreadful experience for the diabetic to undergo due to the pricking involved.
Follow these tips to make the pricking more pain-free:
1. Don't prick the tip of the finger. Fingertips are sensitive by nature, so this is really painful. Instead, prick the side of the finger. Another thing to consider... only prick fingers. Never prick your toes. Not only is this awkward, but it will also increase the likelihood of infection.
2. Don't ever squeeze your fingers if the blood refused to come out. Let the blood come out naturally. If it does not, let gravity do its work. Never force the issue. Ask your doctor what you can do to encourage sufficient blood flow.
3. Don't prick the same digit every time. This will stress the area out making that particular finger tender and sore
4. Don't use the same finger lancet again and again. This is unsanitary and unbelievably idiotic. Bacteria have already concentrated in the expended lancet. Recycling the same lancet promotes infection.
Additionally, keep your testing supplies at room temperature and check the expiration date of your testing supplies to ensure that your test strips remain accurate.
Remember that artificially influencing readings by exercising more just before taking a reading will just create inaccurate results that will eventually undermine your treatment and cause you to lose your health due to lack of overall control. Don't play games with your health. Blindness and amputation is waiting for you if you do.
Conclusion:
Research studies indicate that daily blood sugar testing, up to 4 times or more, is a good way to learn how to better control your blood glucose and the only way to measure the effectiveness of your meal plan, physical activity and medications.
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