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
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. I find that my results are sometimes over
8mmol/L so don't panic if they are. Basically this means that
if you are constantly high (I consider 11+) then you know you
need to change something.
When should I test my blood?
If your diabetes is treated with insulin test blood 3-4 times
per day at different times to ensure blood sugar levels are
generally between 4-7mmol/L. I test when I wake up in the
morning, at lunch, at dinner and before bed no matter what.
They are the ones I always do. I then do extra tests if I am
driving or exercising or going on a long walk etc, or if I just
feel odd and if I wake in the night because it normally means I
am low.
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 information.
Steriod 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.
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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