When to test blood sugar levels?

The testing for blood sugar levels is more rigorous just after the diagnosis of diabetes. Once the diagnosis of diabetes has been established, the measurement of blood sugars does depend on the type of diabetes and treatment.

Individuals who have type 1 diabetes often need to measure the levels anywhere from 3-6 times a day, at least before and after each meal.

Individuals with diabetes who exercise also need to monitor their sugars before and after exercise and just before going to sleep.

Individuals with type 1 diabetes who are ill or have a change in their routine (like traveling), stress or have been diagnosed with other medical disorder may need more frequent monitoring of blood sugar levels.

Individuals with Type 2 diabetes generally require less frequent glucose monitoring. Most of these individuals initially monitor the blood glucose 1-2 times day if they are on any type of diabetic medications. Individual who are managing their type 2 diabetes with diet and exercise alone need to monitor their sugars less often.

Testing for blood sugar levels

Testing of blood sugar is not difficult. There are many portable kits available today for home use. To test the blood sugar levels one needs a few items including a blood sugar monitor, test strips, a lancet and alcohol swabs. The majority of blood sugar monitors available today are light weight and portable. The majority of these monitors have varied storage facilities like tracking time, date of each test and can also store your data. Some of the current devices also come with zip drives so that the information can be transferred to your PC.

Monitoring of blood sugar unfortunately involves a pin prick on your finger tip with a special lancet. Today there are a variety of lancet devices which will allow you to adjust the depth of the prick. Those with thick skin need deeper penetration. It does sound painful but eventually one gets used to it.

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