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Medically reviewed by Alan Lucks | MD, Alan Lucks MDPC Private Practice - New York on August 13th, 2023.
Key Takeaways
- Target glucose ranges are 70-130 mg/dL before meals and under 180 mg/dL two hours after eating, with A1C goals typically below 7% for most adults.
- Hypoglycemia (below 70 mg/dL) causes shakiness, sweating, and confusion, while readings above 300 mg/dL require immediate medical attention due to diabetic ketoacidosis risk.
- Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) provide real-time readings every 1-3 minutes and can alert users to dangerous trends, eliminating the need for most fingerstick tests.
- Testing timing matters most before meals, at bedtime, before exercise, and when feeling unwell—random testing provides less actionable information for treatment adjustments.
- Keeping detailed logs with food intake, exercise, and stress levels alongside glucose readings helps identify patterns that fingerstick numbers alone cannot reveal.
If you have diabetes, regular blood sugar (glucose) testing is crucial for managing your condition and preventing long-term health complications. By knowing your blood sugar levels, you can adjust your diet, exercise, and medication to keep your diabetes under control.
Why Is Blood Sugar Testing Important?
Monitoring your blood sugar levels regularly can help you avoid serious health problems associated with diabetes, such as:
Heart disease
Stroke
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Blindness
Kidney disease
Skin problems
Leg amputations
Studies show that keeping your blood sugar and HbA1c levels within your target range can significantly reduce the risk of these complications.
Methods for Testing Blood Sugar
There are several ways to test your blood sugar:
Fingertip Testing
This is the most common method, involving pricking your finger with a lancet to obtain a drop of blood, which is then placed on a test strip and inserted into a blood sugar meter. Results are available in less than 15 seconds, and some meters can store your test results and display averages, charts, and graphs.
Alternate Site Testing
Some newer meters allow you to test blood sugar from sites other than your fingertip, such as your upper arm, forearm, base of the thumb, or thigh. However, results from alternate sites may differ from fingertip readings, especially when your blood sugar is changing rapidly, such as after meals or exercise. If you suspect hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), it's best to use your fingertip for the most accurate results.
Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) Systems
CGM systems, often combined with insulin pumps, measure glucose levels in the interstitial fluid and provide results similar to fingerstick readings. These devices can show patterns and trends in your blood sugar levels over time.
When to Test Your Blood Sugar
The frequency of blood sugar testing varies from person to person. You may need to check your levels several times a day, such as before meals, before and after exercise, at bedtime, before driving, and whenever you suspect your blood sugar is low. If you're ill, you may need to test more often. Consult your doctor to determine the best testing schedule for you.
Interpreting Your Results
Your ideal blood sugar range may differ from others and will fluctuate throughout the day. As a general guide, here are the recommended blood sugar levels for adults with diabetes:
Before meals: 70-130 mg/dL
After meals: Less than 180 mg/dL
Monitoring your HbA1c level is also essential for diabetes control. Many home glucose monitors can display an average blood glucose reading, which correlates with the HbA1c. Consult the table in this article to see how average blood glucose levels relate to HbA1c percentages.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Work with your doctor to establish your target blood sugar range and create a plan for managing readings that are too high or too low. Learn to recognize the symptoms of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, and know what actions to take if you experience them. Contact your doctor if you have concerns about your blood sugar levels or diabetes management.
Recording Your Test Results
Keeping accurate records of your blood sugar, urine, and ketone tests is essential for identifying trends and potential problems. Most glucose monitors have built-in memory to store your results. Bring these records to your doctor's appointments, as they can help inform any necessary adjustments to your meal plan, medication, or exercise routine.
By understanding the importance of blood sugar testing, using the appropriate testing methods, and diligently recording your results, you can take control of your diabetes and minimize the risk of long-term complications.
The Bottom Line
Effective glucose monitoring requires testing at strategic times and maintaining detailed records to identify patterns that guide treatment decisions. Most people with diabetes benefit from checking levels before meals and bedtime, with CGMs offering more comprehensive data for those with frequent fluctuations. If you're experiencing frequent highs, lows, or confusion about your readings, Doctronic can help you understand what your numbers mean and when to seek care.
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