How to Determine Your Blood Sugar Levels

Originally posted on October 1, 2022 @ 2:10 pm

Most diabetics must routinely monitor their blood sugar levels. The results help you and your doctor keep track of these levels and keep diabetes problems from happening.

What is Blood Sugar Levels

Blood sugar levels is the amount of sugar content in your body. this will also determine your risk of been  diabetic due to your insulin capability.

You can check your blood sugar in a number of ways:

You puncture your fingertip with a tiny, pointy needle (referred to as a lancet) and place a drop of blood on a test strip. You then insert the test strip into a device that measures your blood sugar. In less than 15 seconds, you have results that you can store for later use.

Some meters can display charts and graphs of your previous test results in addition to telling you your average blood sugar level over time. Your neighborhood pharmacy sells blood glucose meters and test strips.

Modern Meters: Allow you to test many body parts besides your fingertip, such as your upper arm, forearm, base of the thumb, and thigh. The results from your fingertip might not be the same as those from you. In comparison to other testing sites, blood sugar levels in the fingertips alter more quickly.

Continues Glucose Monitoring System This is especially true after eating or working out, when your blood sugar is fluctuating quickly. If you can, check your blood sugar with your finger because these readings are more reliable when you experience hypoglycemia symptoms.

Insulin pumps are used in conjunction with continuous glucose monitoring systems, commonly known as interstitial glucose measurement devices. They can exhibit patterns and trends in your results over time, much like the results of your finger-stick glucose tests.

At what point should I check my blood sugar?

You might need to check your blood sugar multiple times a day, including before meals or physical activity, before going to bed, before operating a motor vehicle, and when you suspect low blood sugar.

Because every person is unique, ask your doctor how frequently and when you should check your blood sugar. You’ll probably need to check your blood sugar more frequently if you’re ill.

What Influences Your Results

Your blood sugar levels may change if you have certain illnesses, such as anemia or gout, or if it’s hot, muggy, or you’re at a high altitude.

If you keep getting strange results, you should readjust your meter and check the test strips.\

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By looking at the chart below, you can see where your blood sugar levels should be during the day. The ideal blood sugar range for you will vary from person to person and shift throughout the day.

For Adults With Diabetes, the Best Test Time is

• 70-130 mg/dL before meals and
• After dinner less than 180 mg/dL

HbA1c and at-Home Blood Glucose Monitoring

For the management of diabetes, keeping an eye on your HbA1c level is also crucial. A common feature of home glucose meters is the ability to show an average blood glucose level that is related to the HbA1c.

The average blood glucose level (mg/dL)   VS   HbA1c (%)

126                         6

154                        7

183                        8

212                        9

240                      10

269                       11

298                       12

When should I call my doctor to discuss my blood sugar level?

Make a plan for how to handle blood sugar readings that are either too high or too low, when to call your doctor, and ask your doctor about your goal blood sugar range. Learn the signs of high or low blood sugar and what to do if you start to feel the effects.

How Should I Document the Results of My Blood Sugar Test?

Keep thorough records of every ketone, urine, and blood test you do. Most glucose meters contain memory as well. Your records can help you identify any issues or trends. Your doctor can adjust your diet, medications, or exercise regimen as necessary with the guidance of these test results. When you visit your doctor, always bring these documents with you.