How to Monitor Your Blood Sugar Levels?

Understanding Blood Sugar Monitoring

Diabetes can elevate your blood sugar levels and keep it fluctuating throughout the day. By closely monitoring, you can identify patterns and trends over time. Once you notice changes, you can understand which foods trigger blood sugar spikes or dips. In case you did not know yet, physical activity, stress, and other factors also define your blood sugar levels.

Regular blood sugar monitoring helps you detect both high and low blood sugar levels, helping you take prompt action when needed. You can prevent complications like cardiovascular issues, retinopathy and neuropathy arising from prolonged periods of high or low blood sugar levels. 

Choosing the Right Glucometer

Choosing the right glucometer plays a significant role in effective diabetes management. You can consult your doctor and make a suitable choice.

Here are a few parameters to consider when choosing the right glucometer for yourself

Accuracy 

It would help if you were sure of the numbers the glucometer shows, so one important factor is how accurate the readings are. By checking whether the manufacturer has adhered to international standards and has clinically tested the product, you can ensure that you have an accurate monitor. Additionally, you can cross-check if the glucometer has received approvals from regulatory authorities, for example, the US FDA or other similar local regulatory authorities.

Ease of Use

Can you use the monitor by yourself, or need someone's help? Would it be easy for you to see the readings? Are the buttons on the machine easy to handle? There are many such factors to look at, including the size and weight of the device. What if you must carry the device while away from home? Look for a device that is easy to use for you. Consider all the factors that may impact its use. 

Affordability and Availability

Glucometers are available at all price ranges. Check for the ones that fit within your budget. Remember the long-term recurring costs of test strips, which can impact your overall expenses of using the glucometer. Some brands may reduce the prices of the glucometer alone and have inflated prices for the test strips. At times, certain test strips may be hard to find, too. Understand the frequency of usage and do thorough research and calculations before zeroing down on a particular brand. 

Data Management Features

Remembering all the numbers and levels and noting them at each measurement can be challenging. Glucometers can store data from past readings and allow easy data transfer to your computer or phone. Do evaluate these features before making your purchase, as you may need records of your blood sugar levels to monitor them yourself or even share them with your healthcare provider. 

Customer Reviews

Look up reviews for the brands you are considering or ask anyone you know who uses a glucometer. You can get a realistic idea about the product before purchasing.

Preparing for Testing

Once you buy a glucometer, you should get ready to test your blood sugar levels.

Worry not! It is not as complex as it may sound. Many people worldwide use a glucometer in the comfort of their homes for testing.

Here are a few things to do when you are ready:

Be Spot On.

Decide where you will be testing. You could choose a quiet spot at your place, with a table or a surface. Ensure that you wipe down the area with a mild disinfectant so that there is no scope for contamination. 

Grab All Necessary Supplies.

Before you test, ensure all these are within your arm's reach. You want to avoid searching for a test strip or a lancet during the procedure.

Here is your checklist

1. Blood glucose Monitor
2. Test strips
3. Lancet device
4. Lancets (needles)
5. Antiseptic swabs (if you can't use soap and water to clean the testing site)
6. Cotton swabs to wipe

Wash Your Hands.

Get to a sink and thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water. Clean well under your nails and between your fingers. Dry your hands with a clean towel. Do not use sanitizers, as they may contain substances that can affect the test results.

How to Use the Glucometer?

Now that you have reached this far, let's get to the actual part of testing.
 

1. Ready Steady Lancet
   Check the depth setting on your lancet device and set it so that you can use it to draw blood in one shot. If the setting needs to be corrected, you may have to try multiple attempts till you know the proper depth for your skin type. Read through the device manual for finer details. Also, load the Lancet into the device as per the instructions. Be careful not to prick yourself while doing so. Always remove the cover of the Lancet after loading it. 
    
2. Insert the Test Strip
   Turn on the glucometer based on the manufacturer's instructions. Some devices turn on when the test strip is inserted correctly. 
    
3. Prick the Finger with the Lancet
   Most lancets have a button or trigger to release the Lancet quickly. So, place the lancet device perpendicular to your finger and press the button. It will be over much before you can even think.
    
4. Collect the Blood Sample
   Gently squeeze the fingertip to obtain a small drop of blood. Place the drop of blood on the test strip and wait till the blood is fully absorbed. The glucometer will give a visual or audible indication that the blood sample has been appropriately applied.
    
5. Wait for the Results
   The glucometer will need some time to measure the sample. Once done, the levels will be displayed on the monitor. Some meters also record previous readings. You can find instructions in the user manual, which will help you manage this data. 
    
6. Record the Results
   You can record the results in your journal, or anywhere you are comfortable. You can also include information like time of day, what you ate and any other relevant details that can directly impact blood sugar levels. 
    
7. Dispose off the Test Strip and Lancet
   Follow local safety regulations while disposing of used lancets and test strips. The user manual will also contain information about the disposal of used supplies, so remember to read it, too. 
    
8. Switch off the Glucometer
   Once the procedure is done, switch off the glucometer. Some devices turn off themselves once the test strip is removed. 

How Can You Interpret Blood Sugar Levels?

Here's a guide to understanding various blood sugar readings.

Fasting Blood Sugar

Post-Meal (Postprandial) Blood Sugar

Understanding Patterns and Trends

If your blood sugar levels are consistently within your target range, you are properly managing your diabetes. However, if frequent fluctuations are seen, necessary measures must be taken to control this.

Persistently high readings may indicate insufficient insulin, medication issues, or dietary choices. Addressing the cause is essential to prevent complications.

Consistently low readings may suggest excessive medication, insufficient food intake, or increased physical activity. Immediate treatment with a fast-acting carbohydrate is necessary to raise blood sugar levels.

Adjusting Daily Routines

When your blood sugar readings are too high, ensure you do the following.

1. Stay hydrated so that you can flush out excess glucose through your urine.
    
2. Walking or any other suitable moderate activity can help lower blood sugar levels.
    
3. Review your diet to check if you are consuming carbohydrates in excess. Swap trigger foods with those with a lower glycemic load.
    
4. If your doctor has prescribed medication, ensure you take it on time.

When your blood sugar levels are too low, you must:

1. Quickly consume fast-acting carbohydrates like glucose tablets, fruit juices or candies.
    
2. Opt for snacking regularly between meals to maintain blood sugar levels.
    
3. Check with your doctor if you need to adjust your medication if hypoglycaemia or low blood sugar levels is a recurring issue.
    
4. Be wary of symptoms like sweating, dizziness, etc., so you can treat hypoglycaemia promptly.

When Should You Consult Your Healthcare Provider?

Diabetes management is a collaborative effort between you and your healthcare provider. Not consulting one can lead to many complications, especially if your condition remains undiagnosed. 

Only introduce new medication or make changes to your existing medication after consulting your health care provider. Regular follow-up appointments help to make adjustments in your diet and lifestyle. 

Wrapping Up

A proactive approach to diabetes management can help manage this condition very effectively. Regular monitoring and necessary adjustments can help improve the quality of your life. Always work with your health care provider for personalised care and medication adjustments depending on your needs.