Health Conditions

Self-testing your blood sugar level lets you know how food, exercise, and medications are affecting it. It is a good idea to keep a record of your daily readings and review the results with your health care provider.

How do I test my blood sugar level?

To test your blood sugar level, a device called a glucose meter is used. There are many different types of glucose meters available, and these can be purchased at your local pharmacy. Or, if you have prescription insurance, check with your insurance company as many insurance plans will provide a free glucose monitor for you.

To test a blood sugar level, generally, a drop of blood from a finger stick is placed on a test strip that is then placed into the meter. The meter then reads the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood. This simple test tells you what your blood sugar level is at the time of the test. The readings you get in this manner help you manage your diabetes on a day-to-day or even an hour-to-hour basis.

Glucose meters have generally always revolved around using the finger stick methods, but many other glucose measuring products are available to monitor your blood sugar level. Today there are specialized lancing devices that prick the skin at different levels, a needle free laser device, blood glucose monitors using blood from other parts of the body (like the arm instead of fingertips), the GlucoWatch, which is worn like a watch and detects your blood glucose level through your skin, and InDuo, which combines a glucose meter and insulin injector pen, and sensors that are placed under your skin.

How often should I test my blood sugar level?

Self-tests may be done before meals, after meals, or at bedtime. Ask your health care provider how often and when you should test your blood sugar level. Self-tests are important for all individuals with diabetes but especially for persons treated with insulin to monitor for and to prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). For most individuals with Type 1 diabetes and pregnant women taking insulin, self-tests are recommended three or more times daily. The optimal frequency and timing of self-tests for people with Type 2 diabetes are not known, but if you have type 2 diabetes and don't use insulin, you may need to test your blood sugar levels only once a day or as little as twice a week (depending on your current level of diabetes control). When a therapy is added or modified, diabetic patients should test more often than usual. Again, it is best to work with your doctor to determine the best glucose testing strategy for you.

What is considered a good blood sugar reading?

Ideal goals recommended for most people with diabetes are:

• Before meals: 90-130 mg/dL
• After meals: less than 180 mg/dL
• At bedtime: 100 to 140 mg/dL

Your blood sugar level goals may vary from these ideal goals. It is important to discuss this with your health care provider.

What is a hemoglobin A1C test?

The hemoglobin A1C test is a blood test that tells you how well your blood sugar level has been controlled over the past 3 months. According to the American Diabetes Association, the hemoglobin A1C goal for most people with diabetes is less then 7 percent. If your number is less then 7 percent this means that your treatment plan is effective and your diabetes is under good control. This test should be obtained at least twice a year and any other times as indicated by your health care provider.

In addition to monitoring my blood sugar levels, what else do I need to do?

If you have diabetes, it is recommended that you obtain annual foot, eye, and dental examinations by a health care provider, kidney function tests and cholesterol checks. It is also recommended that you wear comfortable shoes and that you check your feet on a daily basis. Look at your bare feet for cuts, blisters, red spots, and swelling and report any foot problems to your doctor. If you have trouble seeing your feet, you can use a mirror or ask a friend or family member for help.

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Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not intended to diagnose a health condition, but it can be used as a guide to help you decide if you should seek professional treatment or to help you learn more about your condition once it has been diagnosed.