How and when should I check my blood sugar levels?

How and when should I check my

blood sugar levels?

?How and when should I check my blood sugar levels

Blood glucose monitoring can help you understand the link between blood glucose, food, exercise and

insulin. Regular testing and recording of your blood glucose level can reinforce your healthy lifestyle choices

as well as inform you of your response to other choices and influences.

Home monitoring -There are a variety of easy-to-use home monitors which patients can use to test their

blood sugar levels. If you are managing Diabetes with the help of a home monitor, be sure to learn what

results are too high and too low for you. Consult with your

health care provider to learn what to do when your results

are outside the desired target range.

In the laboratory -Fasting blood glucose, random glucose blood test, oral glucose tolerance test and HbA1c

conducted in the pathology laboratory are recommended to monitor blood sugar levels.

What targets should you aim for?

Normal blood glucose levels are between 72-140 mg/dL.

If you do not have Diabetes then your normal target range should be:

·       Fasting: <100 mg/dL

·       Before meals: <110 mg/dL

·       Two hours after a meal: <140 mg/dL

·       Hba1c: <6 per cent

If you have Type 1 Diabetes, your target range should be:

·       Before meals: 72-106 mg/dL

·       Two hours after a meal: 72-145 mg/dL

If you have Type 2 Diabetes, your target range should be:

·       Before meals: 106-145 mg/dL

·       Two hours after a meal: 145-180 mg/dL

·       Hba1c: <7 per cent

Target ranges may differ depending on age,

duration of Diabetes, medication and existing

medical problems. Do discuss your individual target

range with your doctor.

RECORD ALL YOUR READINGS

Action steps if you take insulin:

Keep a daily record of your blood glucose levels

·       the times of day you take insulin

·       the amount and type of insulin you take

·       what types of physical activity you do and for how long

·       when and what you eat

·       whether you have ketones in your blood or urine

·       when you are sick

Action steps if you don't take insulin:

·       keep a daily record of your blood glucose levels

·       the times of day you take your medicines

·       what types of physical activity you do and for how long

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