Diabetes Blood Test

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Carefully monitoring the blood’s glucose levels is a way that a diabetic and their doctor can establish and carry out a plan for better living without the symptoms of diabetes. A regularly performed diabetes blood test provides valuable, necessary information to help reach this goal. There are two common forms of a diabetes blood test: a periodic A1c test (about 3-5 times a year in most cases), and what is referred to as SMBG, or self-monitoring of blood glucose.

The method and frequency of administering an SMBG will be determined by your doctor, and will typically range from 2-4 times a day, depending on your medications, your visible symptoms and other specific factors of your condition. Your doctor will help you to determine what the goals of each diabetes blood test will be, and when is the best time to take the diabetes blood test for the most accurate results. There are a number of reasons that your doctor might request you to take more frequent diabetes blood test including any changes in medication, a marked increase in blood glucose levels, any illnesses, or even an increased level of stress.

Typically taken with a blood sample from the finger or other area placed in a monitoring device, a diabetes blood test is a quick and efficient way to get at least a general idea of how each diabetic is reacting to the established diet, exercise and medicinal plan, and whether or not any changes need to be made.

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