Diabetes Blood Testing

Hit the mark with regular diabetes blood testing.

The evidence is solid: Good blood glucose control prevents or delays problems from diabetes — such as eye, heart and kidney disease — while helping you feel better and enjoy more energy!

A critical part of glucose control is diabetes blood testing or “blood glucose testing.” Most diabetes blood testing is done at home with a blood glucose meter and test strips. It’s best to perform diabetes blood testing at various times during the day. This helps you track the ebb and flow of glucose in your blood. Ultimately, the more data you collect through diabetes blood testing, the better you and your physician can manage your diabetes.

Aim for these blood glucose goals

According to the (NIDDK), National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, the ideal goals for most people with diabetes when finger-stick testing using a blood glucose (sugar) meter are:

• Fasting and before meals: 80 to 120
• After meals (about 1 to 2 hours): Less than 160 to 180
• Bedtime: 100 to 140

Rotate your diabetes blood testing

To better observe your ups and downs, you may want to design a rotating diabetes blood testing schedule. Perform your diabetes blood testing a few times a day at different times. In just a few days, you’ll have results from around the clock.

Day 1

Check after fasting

Check 1-2 hours after breakfast

Day 2

Check before lunch

Check 1-2 hours after lunch

Day 3

Check before dinner

Check 1-2 hours after dinner

Day 4

Check before fasting

Check at bedtime

Aim for long-term control, too

Get your hemoglobin A1c measured two to four times a year using the HbA1c test. This (blood glucose test) measures your blood sugar control over the last three months, providing feedback on your long-term control. Test results are reported as a percent, with a result of 7 or less right on target.

See if your diabetes testing supplies are covered by Medicare with one simple phone call to 1-866-373-8971. If calling is not convenient, see if your supplies are covered online or enroll online. If calling is not convenient, see if your supplies are covered online or enroll online.

* Co-payments and deductibles apply.

Please keep in mind that this article on Diabetes Blood Testing is intended solely as an informational document; consult a licensed physician before making any decisions regarding the management of individual cases of diabetes.

Source: National Diabetes Education Program

The American Diabetes Association

Diabetic Seniors Team

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