What Is The Connection Between Diabetes And Bad Breath?
April 28, 2021
Follow These Simple Steps To Keep Diabetes Under Complete Control
April 28, 2021
Elevated blood sugar levels cause damage to organs, nerves and blood vessels. This is why diabetics often suffer from heart, kidney and eye damage. There is no cure for diabetes and treatment plans focus on controlling blood sugar levels. This is why regular blood glucose testing is important. Thanks to technological advancements, you can check your blood sugar levels in the comfort of your home which makes it that much easier to track your blood glucose levels throughout the day.
Different ways to test blood sugar at home
Traditional Home Glucose Monitoring
The traditional glucometer requires you to prick your finger with a small sharp needle called a lancet in order to release a drop of blood. This blood drop is placed on the test strip and the strip is inserted into a meter which then displays your blood sugar level. There are different kinds of meters available in the market with various features including portability, speed, size, cost, and readability. The device reveals the result in less than 15 seconds and is equipped with a feature in which the information can be stored for future reference. Some glucometers also have additional features such as displaying the weekly or monthly average in the form of a bar graph or chart.
Alternate Site Testing (AST)
Most people with diabetes who are required to take daily blood glucose tests need only 1-2 daily tests. However, some people need as many as 7 tests per day which can leave their fingertips sore from all the pinpricks. In such cases, doctors may recommend Alternate Site Testing (AST) devices which can be used on other areas of the body including the upper arm, forearm, base of the thumb and thigh. This type of testing is fine for routine tests such as before meals or more than 2 hours after but it is less accurate at times when blood sugar is rising or falling.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring system
A continuous glucose monitoring CGM system tests your glucose levels every few minutes and transmits the information wirelessly to a monitor. In order to do this, a tiny sensor is inserted under the skin of your belly or your arm and needs to be replaced every 10-14 days. CGSM devices sound an alarm if your blood sugar level goes too high or too low. These devices allow you to determine patterns and trends in your sugar levels which will help to improve blood sugar control. Some oCGSM devices are also part of an insulin pump which can automatically adjust insulin delivery every few minutes to keep blood sugar levels at the target level.
When to test blood sugar and what can affect test results?
Every individual is different and it is hard to generalize when one should test blood sugar. Doctors suggest that people who take insulin more than once or use an insulin pump, should undergo blood sugar tests at least three times a day.
Hot or humid climates, high altitudes, health conditions like anemia and gout and even high doses of vitamin C can create disturbances in test results. The ideal blood sugar range before a meal is 70-130 mg/dl, and after the meal is less than 180 mg/dl.
How to test blood sugar at home
- Wash and dry your hands well
- Insert a test strip in your meter
- Prick the side of your fingertip with the lancet provided with your test kit
- Gently squeeze or massage your finger until a drop of blood forms
- Touch and hold the edge of the test strip to the drop of blood
- The meter will display your blood sugar level in few seconds
Conclusion:
It’s unreasonable to think that a few tests in a year at the doctors will keep you updated with your diabetes status because blood glucose levels fluctuate throughout the day. However, this also doesn’t mean that tests done at home can replace those done in labs. Both types of tests are equally important and a diabetic should undergo both of them as recommended by their doctor.
