If you have diabetes, you need to know what your blood glucose levels are and how to control them. High blood sugar can lead to dangerous complications.
Diabetes is a chronic disease that can lead to heart problems. It damages blood vessels, so even minor wounds can turn into deeper ulcers. If the ulcer is not treated, it can lead to amputation of the affected limb.
In addition to these serious complications, diabetics are prone to foot and skin problems. Foot problems are often not noticed until they cause serious damage or infection. These complications are more likely to occur when blood sugar levels remain too high.
Self-testing of blood glucose is one of the most important habits for diabetics. Tests can help you monitor your glucose levels. Having this information can help you plan your meals and exercise accordingly.
In this article, we are going to discuss the importance of checking blood glucose levels in diabetes.
What is blood glucose?
A person’s blood glucose level is a measure of the amount of glucose in the blood. It is also known as glycemia. Your body gets glucose from carbohydrates, which are starches and sugars in foods. This substance provides your body with energy and fuel. However, too much sugar in the blood is not good and often leads to diabetes. For this reason, you need to maintain your blood glucose levels.
Normal pre-meal or fasting blood sugar is 100 mg/dL. Two hours after a meal, the level should be 140 mg/dL. People without diabetes can have blood sugar levels between 70 and 80 mg/dL.
High blood glucose is also known as hyperglycemia and can adversely affect people with diabetes. Now you can test your blood sugar at home to keep your diabetes under control. It is very important to check your blood sugar before and after meals.
Depending on your age and type of diabetes, your doctor will set a target range for your blood glucose level. The goal is to stay within that range. This range is important because high blood glucose levels can lead to serious complications. These complications can include kidney damage, heart disease, and blindness.
How to check the level of glucose in the blood?
If you have diabetes, it is very important to check your blood glucose levels regularly. Your family doctor will determine the best time to check your blood sugar. It is also important to record your results. You can print out a chart to help you keep track of how often you check your blood glucose. Take your results to your doctor so he can adjust your medication accordingly.
Blood glucose tests can be done with a finger prick or a test strip. These methods require a small needle called a lancet. A small amount of blood is placed on a test strip, which is then placed in the monitor for testing. The monitor will show your current blood sugar level.
The glucose monitor gives results in seconds. It also stores your results and can notify you when they are out of range. That way, you can see how your glucose levels change over time and make adjustments accordingly. In addition, you can use the meter while exercising and sleeping. A glucometer will give you a more accurate picture of your glucose level than a finger prick.
Why is blood glucose monitoring important in diabetes?
Blood glucose monitoring is useful for diabetics as it provides real-time information on blood glucose levels. This can help you better manage your diabetes and recognize other factors that may cause your glucose levels to rise above your target range. Plus, it can help you reach your glucose goals and avoid related complications.
Provides detailed information
Blood glucose monitoring can provide detailed information about fluctuations in blood glucose levels, which is useful for monitoring hypoglycemia and other diabetes-related problems. It can also help doctors adjust medications or diet changes based on blood glucose levels. These data may also help prevent or diagnose hypoglycemia and improve control.
Helps manage diabetes
Monitoring your blood glucose levels is one of the most important steps you can take in managing your diabetes. It’s also a way to tell your doctor if your treatment is working or not. If your blood sugar is high, your doctor may change your medication. In addition to regular testing, eating right and exercising can help maintain healthy glucose levels.
Helps make better food choices
If you have diabetes, checking your blood glucose levels can help you make better food and medicine choices. Knowing your target range will help you adjust your diet and insulin. Your healthcare team will also be able to tell you how often you should check your glucose levels. It is important to check your glucose levels at least twice a day, and if you are taking insulin, you should check your blood glucose levels every three hours.
Helps achieve target glucose levels
Blood glucose monitoring helps you reach your diabetes glucose goals by monitoring your blood glucose levels. It is an increasingly popular method of diabetes management. This gives users the insight they need to make lifestyle changes that will lead to better blood sugar control.
Helps doctors provide the best possible treatment
Glucose monitoring is a vital tool for people with diabetes. What’s more, it gives doctors a complete picture of blood sugar control, allowing them to make better treatment decisions and avoid potentially harmful complications.
Determines blood sugar trends
It also helps identify blood sugar trends, allowing immediate action to prevent hypoglycemia. It can also help them predict whether someone is at higher risk of hyperglycemia, allowing them to make changes to medications, physical activity, and diet to control glucose levels.
