In this section, you'll learn what you need to know about self-monitoring your blood sugar. The following information has been adapted from the AAFP guide for physicians, "Self-control: A Physician's Guide to Blood Glucose Monitoring in the Management of Diabetes."
This information was developed as part of an educational program made possible by an unrestricted educational grant from LifeScan, Inc., makers of OneTouch Blood Glucose Meters.
Diabetes: Blood Tests to Help Manage Your Diabetes
What is diabetes?
Your body changes most of the food you eat into glucose (a form of sugar). Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that allows glucose to enter all the cells of your body and be used as energy.
Diabetes is a disease that occurs when a person’s body doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use insulin properly. When you have diabetes, the sugar builds up in your blood instead of moving into the cells. Too much sugar in the blood can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease and damage to the nerves and kidneys.
There are 2 types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body doesn’t produce any insulin. In type 2 diabetes, the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. Nearly 95% of people who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 2 diabetes.
Diabetes is a disease that occurs when a person’s body doesn’t make enough insulin or can’t use insulin properly. When you have diabetes, the sugar builds up in your blood instead of moving into the cells. Too much sugar in the blood can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease and damage to the nerves and kidneys.
There are 2 types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the body doesn’t produce any insulin. In type 2 diabetes, the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin or the cells ignore the insulin. Nearly 95% of people who are diagnosed with diabetes have type 2 diabetes.
A1C and self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG)
There are 2 blood tests that can help you manage your diabetes. One of these tests is called an A1C test, which reflects your blood sugar (or blood glucose) control over the past 2-3 months. Testing your A1C level every 3 months is the best way for you and your doctor to understand how well your blood sugar levels are controlled. Your A1C goal will be determined by your doctor, but it is generally less than 7.0%.
The other test is called SMBG, or self-monitoring of blood glucose. Using a blood glucose monitor to do SMBG testing can help you improve control of your blood sugar levels. The results you get from an SMBG test can help you make appropriate adjustments to your medicine, diet and/or level of physical activity. Every person who has diabetes should have a blood glucose monitor and know how to use it. The following are some suggestions on when to do SMBG testing and how to use the results to improve your blood sugar control.
The other test is called SMBG, or self-monitoring of blood glucose. Using a blood glucose monitor to do SMBG testing can help you improve control of your blood sugar levels. The results you get from an SMBG test can help you make appropriate adjustments to your medicine, diet and/or level of physical activity. Every person who has diabetes should have a blood glucose monitor and know how to use it. The following are some suggestions on when to do SMBG testing and how to use the results to improve your blood sugar control.
How often should I test my blood sugar level?
Your family doctor will recommend how often you should test. Testing times are based on the kind of medicine you take and on how well your blood sugar levels are controlled. You'll probably need to check your blood sugar more often at first. You'll also check it more often when you feel sick or stressed, when you change your medicine or if you're pregnant.
What time of day should I test?
Recommendations for the best time of day to test your blood sugar depend on your medicine, mealtimes and blood sugar control. On the chart below, your doctor will check the times when you should test your blood sugar. Your doctor may also suggest different goals, depending on your situation.
| Time to Test: | Fasting, Before Breakfast | 1-2 Hours After Breakfast | Before Lunch | 1-2 Hours After Lunch | Before Dinner | 1-2 Hours After Dinner | Bedtime | 3 A.M. |
| Target Goal Ranges* | 80-120 | 80-120 | 80-120 | 100-140 | 70-110 | |||
| Doctor's Recommendation | ||||||||
| Monday | ||||||||
| Tuesday | ||||||||
| Wednesday | ||||||||
| Thursday | ||||||||
| Friday | ||||||||
| Saturday | ||||||||
| Sunday | ||||||||
*Blood glucose values are measured from blood samples obtained from the finger or other sites, as read on your blood glucose monitor. The target goals are based on recommendations from a panel of medical experts. Talk to your doctor about what changes to make if your blood sugar levels are not within this range. |
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What do my blood sugar levels tell me?
| Time of Test | Can Be Used to … |
|---|---|
| Fasting blood sugar (FBG) nighttime (3-4 a.m.) | Adjust medicine or long-acting insulin |
| Before a meal | Modify meal or medicine |
| 1-2 hours after a meal | Learn how food affects sugar values (often the highest blood sugars of the day*) |
| At bedtime | Adjust diet or medicine (last chance for the next 8 hours) |
*Depends on the size of the meal and the amount of insulin in your medicine |
|
Check your blood sugar if:
- You have symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia),which include dizziness, shaking, sweating, chills and confusion
- You have symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia),which include sleepiness, blurry vision, frequent urination and excessive thirst
- You need to learn how meals, physical activity and medicine affect your blood sugar level
- You have a job in which poor blood sugar control could cause safety problems
- You need help deciding if it is safe to drive or perform other tasks that require concentration if you are taking insulin or have had hypoglycemia in the past
Reasons to check your blood sugar more frequently:
- If your diabetes medicine changes
- If you begin taking other kinds of medicines
- If you change your diet
- If your exercise routine or activity level changes
- If your level of stress increases
- If you are sick. When you are sick, even without eating, your sugar levels may run high, so testing is important.
Follow your doctor's testing recommendations during this time. Continue testing more often until you have maintained your SMBG goal values for at least 1 week, or until your doctor advises you that more frequent testing is no longer necessary.
Call your doctor's office if your blood sugar level is above: _____________
Additional instructions from your doctor:
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Call your doctor's office if your blood sugar level is above: _____________
Additional instructions from your doctor:
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Source
Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff.
American Academy of Family Physicians
Reviewed/Updated: 06/09
Created: 01/04