Diabetic Seniors

Controlling your diabetes is all about controlling your blood sugar. And the best way to do that is with regular diabetic blood testing.  Using the proper diabetes blood testing equipment and establishing a regular schedule of diabetic blood tests throughout the day, you can better control your blood glucose levels. And that can result in some important benefits, including helping you:

• Feel better.
• Stay healthy.
• Have more energy.
• Avoid the symptoms of high blood sugar (feeling very thirsty and tired, blurred vision, cuts and bruises that are slow to heal).
• Lower your chances of having eye disease, kidney disease, nerve damage and heart disease.
• Enjoy a better quality of life.

Simple Testing Means Regular Testing

At the heart of the diabetic blood test is the blood glucose meter, a portable, battery-powered device for home monitoring. The meter takes a reading from a drop of blood, usually taken from your fingertip, that is placed on the end of a specially coated strip. The blood glucose meter reads the strip and shows the level of blood glucose in a digital window display. Most modern meters have a large-capacity memory, allowing you to store the results of your diabetic blood testing and even download results to your computer. Some allow testing from alternative sites, such as your palm, forearm, upper arm, thigh or calf.  And the right meter makes diabetic blood testing simple, so you’ll be more likely to test regularly throughout the day.

Blood sugar readings you should aim for throughout the day include:

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

Remember that these are just general guidelines. Your blood sugar goals may need to be different. You’ll need to work with your doctor to develop the goals that are best for you.

Diabetic Blood Testing Supplies You’ll Need

Other important diabetes blood testing equipment includes:

Test strips — During diabetic blood testing, chemicals in these strips change color according to how much glucose is in the blood and are then read by the meter. You’ll need a fresh test strip each time you test. Test strips are only good for three months after opening the vial. Using an expired strip may provide inaccurate results. Also make sure that the diabetic blood test strip you are using is compatible with your meter (you’ll find this information with your meter instructions and on the strip packaging). When shopping for a meter, find out how much the test strips cost and take that into consideration.

Control solution — This is used to make sure your glucose monitor and test strips are working properly (typically with a new monitor or if you feel that the glucose monitor or diabetic testing strips are not working properly). Note that the brand of glucose control solution is specific for the diabetic testing strip used, not necessarily the glucose monitor being used.

Lancing device — Another key piece of diabetes blood testing equipment, a lancing device and lancets allows you to draw the blood needed for the test. The goal is to get enough blood for a sample without too much discomfort. Many lancing devices provide adjustable penetration depths. Others allow you to obtain small blood samples from alternate sites, such as the edge of your palm, the base of your thumb or outer thigh. Some come with a special tip designed to reduce the sensation of pain.

Regular Testing is Crucial

Remember that regular diabetic blood testing is a crucial step in enjoying a good quality of life and reducing diabetes complications. Always make sure you have the right diabetic blood testing supplies on hand. With the right diabetes blood testing equipment and regular testing at home, you can make smart choices about managing your diabetes.

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