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:

• Strips
• Lancets

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.