GUIDE TO GLUCOSE MONITORING
BLOOD GLUCOSE TESTING
Blood glucose (sugar) control is very important for
people with diabetes. You can reduce the risk of health problems caused by diabetes if your blood sugar level is regularly 4--7mmol/L
before meals 8-11mmol/L after meals.
When you have a diabetes check-up, a blood sample for
the HbA1c test is taken – this lets you know what your average blood sugar has been over the previous three months – a result of 7% or below is desirable to reduce the risk of health problems associated with diabetes.
Home blood testing will assist you to keep your diabetes under control.
How do I control my blood sugar
level?
Controlling blood sugar is a balance between food,
exercise and medication
- Eat a healthy diet
- Take regular exercise
- Take your diabetes medication as
prescribed
- Understand how your medication works in your
body
What do I do if my blood sugar level is
low?
If your blood sugar level is below 4mmol/L you have
hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar). You may require a change in your medication or advice about diet or lifestyle to avoid hypoglycaemia.
Contact your diabetes care team for advice if your blood sugar is often below 4mmol/L.
What do I do if my blood sugar is
high?
If your blood sugar is consistently above 8mmol/L you
will be at increased risk of health problems caused by diabetes. You may require a change in your medication or advice about avoiding
hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar). Contact your diabetes care team for advice if your blood sugar is often above 8mmol/L
When should I test my blood?
If your diabetes is treated with insulin test blood
once or twice per day at different times to ensure blood sugar levels are generally between 4-7mmol/L.
If your diabetes is treated with tablets test two or
three times per week at different times of day to ensure blood sugar levels are generally between 4-7mmol/L.
These are guidelines only – there will be times when
you should test blood more frequently – ask your diabetes care team for advice for you personally.
When should I test my blood sugar more
often?
Change of treatment – test more often to ensure your blood sugar is regulated to
4-7mmol/L.
Illness - your blood sugar may change in response to illness – test blood sugar more often,
you may require a change in treatment. See Sick Day Rules For Patients on Insulin or Sick Day Rules For Patients on
Tablets.
Steroid therapy – test blood sugar more often - steroids may alter your blood sugar levels, you may
require a change in treatment.
Preconception and pregnancy – test more often – blood sugar levels of 4-7mmol/L are desirable before and during
pregnancy. Contact your diabetes care team for advice if you are planning a pregnancy or as soon as you know you are
pregnant.
How do I care for my blood
meter?
All meters have manufacturer advice brochures – it is
important that you read and understand the instructions. Helpline (freephone) telephone advice is available from the meter company. The
helpline telephone number for your meter is:
Complete the warranty card and return to the
company.
Where do I get my strips and
lancets?
Your General Practitioner will prescribe the equipment
you require to use your meter. Ask your GP to prescribe:
Who should I report my blood results
to?
If you are experiencing problems with your blood sugar
control or if you would like advice about your treatment report your blood sugar levels to your diabetes care team/ GP or Practice
Nurse.
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