Learn when to test your blood sugar levels by recognizing the signs of high and low blood sugar

People with diabetes know they have to test their blood sugar regularly in order to keep their condition stable and insulin levels balanced. However, the frequency and timing of blood sugar tests can vary depending on which type of diabetes you have and other individual conditions.

If you have type 1 diabetes, testing typically takes place around three times a day, before and after meals and exercising, before going to bed, and after waking up. If you have other illnesses in conjunction with diabetes, you may need to test more often to make sure it remains stable.

If you have type 2 diabetes, blood sugar tests can be performed one to three times a day, based on the amount of insulin that you take. If you are taking any other form of medication along with insulin, and manage to diet and exercise regularly, you may be able to reduce the frequency of testing.

Testing may often be required when any abnormal signs flare up. These include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Frequent Urination: When your body consumes too much sugar, the excess may be absorbed by the kidneys and processed into urine. If you constantly feel the need to use the restroom, you probably need to take a blood sugar test and administer insulin if levels are high enough.
• Extreme Thirst or Hunger: The more you urinate, the more quickly you will feel thirsty. If you constantly feel dehydrated or thirsty, it may be a sign that you are lacking sugar and need to take a blood test to confirm. This also applies to constant hunger pains.
• Random Weight Loss: Sometimes, the body may stop responding to the sugar you are providing it, no matter what or how much you eat. This could cause cells to use fat and muscle tissue as a source of energy, causing you to lose weight. To verify whether insulin or glucose is needed, take a blood sugar test to make sure.
• Constantly Weak or Tired: A combination of the above symptoms can lead you to feeling persistently fatigued, providing yet another sign that a blood sugar test is needed.
• Tingling or Numbness: Also known as neuropathy, a tingling sensation in your feet or hands could indicate blood damage to your nerves, which is caused by high blood sugar levels. Sometimes, however, the condition can be temporary and will gradually go away within a matter of hours. In any case, take a blood sugar test to make sure.
• Yeast or Fungal Infections: High blood sugar levels can trigger conditions such as athlete's foot, vaginal infection, bladder infection, and sore throats. If you are diabetic and experience one of these conditions, you may want to perform a blood sugar test to find out whether high blood sugar levels have anything to do with it.

Evaluating Blood Sugar Signs

Not every sign listed above is an indication of high blood sugar or in need of a blood sugar test. Sometimes they may be an indication of another condition; for instance, fatigue may point to sleep disorders as much as it points to abnormal blood sugar levels. Weight loss could be caused by problems with the thyroid or stress.

In any case, signs for high or low blood sugar should be evaluated carefully to see if they actually point to diabetic abnormalities. Use accurate glucose monitors and clean test strips and lancets to make sure you receive as accurate of a blood sugar reading as possible. If you aren't sure what to make of these signs, make an appointment with your physician or dietitian to confirm that they are signs of high or low blood sugar levels.