Testing your blood sugar level is an everyday part of life for people with diabetes. Despite that fact, confusion often persists over what exactly blood glucose testing does and how it should work.

Here are a few of the top question and answers about blood glucose testing:

1. What Does Blood Glucose Testing Do?

   When you're diabetic, your pancreas has trouble either producing or using insulin. That means that your body needs outside help regulating its blood sugar level. For most people, this means taking insulin when your blood sugar is high and eating food when it's low.

   Unfortunately, people can rarely tell how high or low their blood sugar is on their own. Blood glucose testing tells people their blood sugar level accurately, so that they can take the appropriate steps to get it back within the normal range.

2. How Often Do I Need to Test My Blood Sugar?

   And a minimum, you should test your blood sugar as much as your doctor recommends and whenever you feel unwell. It is also wise to check your glucose levels prior to meals, first thing in the morning, and directly before bed.

   The Mayo Clinic recommends a minimum of 3 tests a day for people with type I diabetes, and at least 1 to 3 tests a day for people with type 2.

3. What Is a 'Normal' Blood Sugar?

   Ideally, people with diabetes always want their blood sugar to fall within the normal range. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), for most people that means having blood glucose testing results that fall within, "70 to 140 milligrams per deciliter or mg/dL, with the higher reading mainly after meals."

   Keeping your blood glucose levels within the normal range will minimize stress on your body, and reduce your chance of experiencing complications related to diabetes. Severely high or low blood sugars can also be dangerous in their own right, and should be treated immediately as per your physician's instructions.

4. What Do I Need to Test My Blood Sugar?

   To test your blood sugar, you'll likely need the following items: Test strips, a lancet, and a blood glucose meter. If your blood sugar is high, you'll also likely need insulin and a syringe to lower it. If it's low, you'll need food or glucose medication to raise it back up again.

5. How Do I Take a Blood Glucose Test?

   The exact processes to test your blood sugar will vary by meter, and should be explained in a guidebook accompanying your blood glucose monitor. However, most blood sugar testing follows these basic steps:

   First, you place a strip into the blood glucose meter. Then, using a lancet, you draw blood from the side of your fingertip or another approved area. You then place a droplet on the strip, which begins a chemical reaction that's measured by the monitor. Your monitor then displays the results of your blood glucose testing on a screen attached to the device.

6. Where Can I Find Blood Glucose Testing Supplies?

   Diabetic supplies can be purchased at most pharmacies, as well as from reputable diabetic medical supply stores. If you have diabetes and are experiencing difficulty affording blood glucose testing supplies, you may also be able to receive tools through Medicare, Medicaid, and other programs.

When people realize that they need to draw blood to measure their sugar levels, many become apprehensive and avoid tests. As natural as this response is, avoiding blood glucose testing can put your health in serious jeopardy. Blood glucose levels that are either too high or too low can cause death, as well as many serious side effects.

If you're struggling with blood glucose testing or have more questions, contact your physician or a medical professional as soon as possible for advice. Blood glucose testing is easier than it seems, and by checking your blood sugar regularly and accurately, you can help ensure you live an active, healthy life.