Sugar isn’t always so sweet, especially if that sugar is the cause of diabetes. Your body uses blood sugar, or glucose, for energy. The food you eat is converted to glucose during digestion. Next, insulin, a chemical secreted by the pancreas, moves the glucose from your bloodstream into your body’s cells. For people with diabetes, the body cannot properly use blood sugar so it builds up in the blood and eventually reaches dangerous levels. The good news is, with proper monitoring, diabetics can enjoy sugary foods and stay healthy.

Importance of Monitoring Blood Sugar

Monitoring blood glucose is a two-step process. First, you need to calculate the amount of glucose present in your blood. Second, you must record the results of each test. Someone with diabetes should check their blood glucose level 3 to 10 times per day. Because blood glucose levels can be affected by diet, medication, and physical activity, regular monitoring and recording will help you and your doctor schedule medications and create a diet and exercise routine.

Although ideal results vary from person to person, the average blood glucose levels are:

Before meals: 70 to 130 mg/dL (milligrams / deciliter)

After meals: less than180 mg/dL

High blood glucose level

Anything above 200 mg/dL is considered high blood glucose or hyperglycemia. Hyperglycemia increases the risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and nerve damage as well as eye, kidney, and foot problems.

Symptoms of hyperglycemia include frequent urination and thirst, slow healing of wounds, fatigue, and weight loss. Managing or treating a high glucose level depends on the cause of the increase, so consult a physician to discuss your treatment options.

Low blood glucose level

Diabetic patients can also have very low blood sugar, known as hypoglycemia. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include headache, sweating, dizziness, hunger, and tiredness. If you realize your blood sugar is too low, immediately do one of the following: 

• Take three to four glucose tablets

• Eat a glucose-rich food like fruit juice, a glass of milk, chocolate, candy, or honey.

After 15 to 20 minutes check your blood glucose level, and if it is still too low, repeat the above steps until levels rise above 170 mg/dL.

Blood glucose level can be tested in two ways. The preferred method is through a blood sample, although a urine sample can be used as well.

Testing Blood Glucose Using a Glucometer

A glucometer, or blood glucose meter, is a portable electronic device used to measure the amount of glucose in blood. You can find glucometer kits in most pharmacies. A standard kit comes with a sharp lancet, a disposable testing strip that reacts with glucose in the blood, and a logbook for the results.

The test is very easy to perform. Wipe the area you are going to test and the lancet with alcohol, prick yourself, and place a drop of blood on the test strip. The strip is coated with chemical that helps the glucometer read the amount of glucose in your blood. Write down your test results and also note your diet, physical activity, and insulin intake. This will help you keep track of how these factors affect glucose levels.

Selecting a Glucometer

When selecting a glucometer, there are many factors to consider:

• Your doctor’s recommendations

• Whether your health insurance covers the cost of the glucometer

• Ease of use; some kits electronically store your results so you can keep a virtual log

• Overall size of the instrument for portability

• Price; consider comparison shopping

• Speed and accuracy of the device

• Ability to take blood samples from different areas of the body.

Urine Test

Testing a urine sample for diabetes was common before the advent of blood glucose testing. Urine testing requires no blood to be drawn. However, a urine test is not as accurate as a blood glucose test and should not be used as a substitute.

Blood glucose can be continuously monitored with a small sensor inserted under the skin. This device displays the amount of glucose in your blood on a wireless monitor every one to five minutes. You can activate an alarm to warn if your glucose levels travel too high or low. Continuous monitoring helps check the way blood glucose levels respond to medication, diet, and exercise and enables better control than simply checking at regular intervals.

The A1C test shows an average blood sugar level for the past three months. Doctors may perform an A1C test on a patient they suspect has diabetes, but the test is primarily used to determine the effectiveness of insulin treatments over time. You should aim to keep your A1C test level below seven percent.

 

Blood Glucose Testing Goals

Diabetics should immediately consult a physician after determining blood glucose values to prepare a list of regiments to follow and behaviors to avoid. On average, someone with diabetes should strive to:
 

• Maintain a blood glucose value of 80 to 120 mg/dl before meals and less than 170 mg/dl an hour or two after a meal

• Follow the ABC of diabetes

A      A1C value below seven percent

B      Blood pressure average of 130/80 mmHg

C      Cholesterol
         Low density lipid (LDL) cholesterol below 100 mg/dl
         High density lipid (HDL) cholesterol above 40 mg/dl in men, above 50 mg/dl in women
        

You should also strive to keep your triglycerides below 150. Regular blood testing helps to maintain near-normal blood sugar levels while preventing diabetes-related complications. Monitoring your diabetes will help ensure that diseases and complications don’t stand between you and the sweeter things in life.