How and when to check blood sugar levels? Let's find out exactly.

If you have Diabetes Mellitus, one thing your doctor will always tell you is to 'check your blood sugar'. Why is it so important? How do you do it correctly? Sometimes when you think about this, a lot of questions come to mind, don't they? Don't worry, we will talk about all this simply and clearly today.

Why should you check your blood sugar regularly?

Simply put, knowing your blood sugar levels is like looking at road signs while driving. It shows you and your doctor the right path to take to manage your diabetes.

By properly controlling your blood sugar levels, you can avoid many serious health problems that can arise in the future due to diabetes. Think about things like:

• Heart disease
• Stroke
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Blindness
• Kidney disease
• Skin problems

Research has even proven that in both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, maintaining blood sugar levels and HbA1c levels at target levels can significantly reduce the risk of these complications.

What are the testing methods for blood sugar?

There are several ways to measure blood sugar levels. Let's look at each one in turn.

1. Home Tests

Glucometers

This is a small, portable machine that many people use. It can measure your sugar level with a drop of your blood.

• Fingerstick testing: This involves pricking your finger with a small, sharp needle (lancet) and placing a drop of blood on a test strip. The strip is then inserted into the glucometer, which gives you a reading within about 15 seconds. Newer meters can store these results and display a graph of your average blood sugar levels over time.

• Testing from other sites: Some newer glucometers allow you to test from other sites besides your fingertip, such as your upper arm, forearm, base of your thumb, and thigh. But remember, fingertip testing is the most accurate , especially when your blood sugar levels are changing rapidly. For example, it's best to test your fingertip after eating, exercising, or if you have symptoms of hypoglycemia.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Systems

These are slightly more advanced devices. Sometimes they come with insulin pumps. What this does is, it continuously monitors your blood sugar levels throughout the day. It's like a 24-hour movie of your blood sugar levels. This allows you to identify patterns and trends in your blood sugar levels over time.

At-home HbA1c tests

HbA1c is simply a test that gives an idea of ​​your average blood sugar level over the past 2-3 months . There are home kits available that also require a finger prick test. However, these are not as accurate as lab tests. However, for those who are unable to visit a doctor, this can be a useful tool to get a rough idea of ​​your condition.

2. Laboratory Tests

Your doctor can refer you for these tests.

• Fasting Blood Sugar Test: For this test, you must not eat or drink anything for 8-12 hours. The lab takes a small amount of blood from your fingertip or a vein in your arm. A healthy person should have a reading below 99 mg/dL. Anything higher than that could be a sign of prediabetes or diabetes.

• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: This tests how your body responds to sugar. Your doctor will give you a sugary drink containing 75 grams of sugar. Then, your blood sugar level will be measured one hour and two hours later. A healthy level is less than 140 mg/dL after two hours.

• HbA1c test: Similar to the home test, but this one is done in a lab, using a blood sample from a vein, so it's more accurate . Doctors often recommend this test to see how well your diabetes is being controlled.

What time of day should you check your blood sugar?

This really varies from person to person. Generally,

• As soon as you wake up in the morning
• Before the main meals
• 1-2 hours after main meals
• Before and after exercise
• Before going to bed
• Before driving a vehicle
• When you feel like you have low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)

It is recommended to check in such cases.

Things that can affect the test results

Sometimes your blood sugar levels can change due to a variety of things.

• Weather:Excessive heat or humidity.
• Altitude: Being at a great height above sea level.
• Dehydration: Lack of water in the body.
• Food: The types and amounts of food you eat.
• Stress: Things like an exam, a problem at work.
• Illness: Any infection, such as a cold or flu.
• Some medications: Other medications you are taking.
• Sleep: Not getting enough sleep.

If your results continue to be abnormal, take care of your glucometer and test strips.

Understanding the Numbers: HbA1c and Blood Sugar Levels

There is a relationship between the average value shown on your glucometer and the HbA1c value measured in the lab. HbA1c is a very important measurement in diabetes management. This table can give you a good idea of ​​it.

When should I call the doctor?

The first thing you should do is ask your doctor what your target blood sugar range is. Also, make a clear plan for what to do and when to call them if your blood sugar levels get too high or too low. Learn the symptoms of high and low blood sugar. Be aware of what to do if you experience any symptoms without panicking.

How to check blood sugar accurately at home

To get the most accurate results, be careful about these points.

• Use the device according to your doctor's instructions.
• Only use test strips that are compatible with your glucometer.
• Use the test strips correctly, before they expire.
• Before testing , wash your hands thoroughly with soap and dry them.
• Always keep your device clean.
• Whenever you go to the doctor, take your glucometer with you to check that it is working properly.