Blood Glucose Testing Q and As
Performing blood glucose testing is the only way to know whether your blood sugar is too high, too low or just right. But many people with diabetes have questions about blood glucose testing.
Q: What ways can I perform blood glucose testing?
A: A “finger stick” blood-glucose test that you do at home using a blood glucose meter shows how food, physical activity and diabetes medicine immediately affect your blood sugar. The readings from these blood-glucose tests can help your manage your diabetes day-by-day or even hour-by-hour. The hemoglobin A1c test (HbA1c) measures your blood sugar control over the last three months. It is a good way to know if your blood sugar is under control over the long run.
Q: What are the target goals of blood glucose testing?
A: These are ideal goals for people with diabetes (although you and your doctor may decide on different blood glucose goals):
- Fasting and before meals: 80 to 120
- After meals (about 1 to 2 hours): Less than 160 to 180
- Bedtime: 100 to 140
Q: Can I accurately tell my blood sugar level simply by how I feel?
A: Research shows few people can tell their blood sugar levels simply by how they feel. Blood glucose testing is the only way to know for certain whether you are reaching your blood sugar goals.
Q: Why do diabetics skip blood glucose testing?
A: It’s no secret that many people with diabetes fall short when it comes to monitoring their blood glucose levels. Finger soreness, inconvenience and fear of needles are all reasons that people don’t regularly perform blood glucose testing. But research clearly shows that those who perform fewer blood glucose tests have more hospitalizations and more visits to the doctor than those who test more often.
It’s no secret that many people with diabetes fall short when it comes to monitoring their blood glucose levels. Finger soreness, inconvenience and fear of needles are all reasons that people don’t regularly perform blood glucose testing. But research clearly shows that those who perform fewer blood glucose tests have more hospitalizations and more visits to the doctor than those who test more often.
Q: Does getting my diabetes supplies from Liberty Medical Supply offer advantages over my local pharmacy?
A: Yes. We will ship everything you need directly to your home, on-time and on a regular schedule. That means no inconvenient trips to the pharmacy. And you don’t have to worry about running out of diabetes testing supplies. Our friendly reminder service will contact you when it’s time to re-order.
Source:
Burge MR. Lack of compliance with home blood glucose monitoring predicts hospitalization in diabetes. Diabetes Care, August 2001; 24: 1502-1503
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Glucose Meters & Diabetes Management National Diabetes Education Program The American Diabetes Association
Tags: blood glucose testing, diabetes monitoring, managing diabetes
