Daily To-Do List: Check My Blood Glucose!

Every person with diabetes (Type 1 or 2) needs to check their blood glucose numbers daily, and to do a quarterly A1C test, which measures blood glucose levels over the past three months. This provides an accurate picture of how well you are controlling your blood glucose levels. This test can be done in a lab setting or at home. Before doing the A1C test at home, check with your doctor.

In-home monitoring: The blood glucose you do each day is the Self Monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG). A drop of blood and a meter measures the level of glucose in your blood at the time of testing. Check with your pharmacy, diabetes educator, durable medical equipment provider, or your physician about a meter suited to your type of diabetes and lifestyle. Newer meters allow testing from the upper arm, forearm, base of the thumb, and thigh. However, other testing sites may yield levels different from the traditional test site.

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) suggests the following blood glucose levels for adults with diabetes:

• Before meals: 80-120 mg/dL
• Before bedtime snack: 100-150 mg/dL, and two hours after eating, 140 or less

The average blood glucose level over three months is shown in the table below. The higher that HbA1c average reading is, the less well your blood glucose is being controlled.

In most cases, a fasting blood glucose level of more than 180mg/dL is too high, and less than 70 mg/dL is too low. If you have more than one unexplained blood glucose level of less than 70 mg/dL in one week, or a blood glucose level greater than 180 mg/dl in one week, contact your physician.

Remember:  Keeping your blood sugar glucose under control can reduce your risk of long-term complications with circulation, your nervous system, kidneys, and eyes.

Source: ADA and National Diabetes Education Task Force