Blood sugar test: When and how to do it correctly
Do you know how to do it?
For someone suffering from diabetes, keeping a track of their blood sugar level is paramount. The amount of sugar in the blood is controlled by a hormone called insulin. In a diabetic patient, their body either does not make enough insulin or the insulin produced doesn't get utilised properly, which often leads to a spike in the blood sugar level. High blood sugar, if left untreated, can damage organs, increase the risk of heart attack, kidney disease and liver problem.
Constantly monitoring the blood glucose level helps to manage the health condition and prevent complications. Nowadays testing blood sugar has become easier with a portable blood glucose meter. You can test your sugar level anytime at your home with a simple blood sample test. We tell you the right time and method to measure your sugar level.
When to test your blood sugar
You can do the test multiple times a day to monitor the fluctuation, but it is important to consult your doctor about the frequency. Depending on your health condition, your doctor will tell you how often you should do it. You can do it:
Before meals and snacks
Before and after exercise
Before going to bed at night
Also, ask your doctor about your reasonable blood sugar range. Your doctor will tell your maximum and minimum level depending on the type of diabetes, age, pregnancy status, complications and overall health.
As per the American Diabetes Association (ADA), your general blood sugar level should be:
Between 80 and 130 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or 4.4 to 7.2 millimoles per litre (mmol/L) before meals
Less than 180 mg/dL (10.0 mmol/L) 2 hours after meals
Here is how you should test your blood glucose correctly
Directions
Wash your hands and dry it properly.
Put a test strip into your meter.
With the help of your lancing device (needle provided with test kit) prick the side of your fingertip to get a drop of blood.
Touch and hold the edge of the test strip to the drop of blood.
Wait for a few seconds for the meter to show the results on the screen.
The risks of self-testing
There are several benefits of self-testing, biggest being it is easy and convenient. But there are also some risks like:
Multiple punctures
Excessive bleeding
Lightheadedness or fainting
Blood collecting under your skin
Infection
For someone suffering from diabetes, keeping a track of their blood sugar level is paramount. The amount of sugar in the blood is controlled by a hormone called insulin. In a diabetic patient, their body either does not make enough insulin or the insulin produced doesn't get utilised properly, which often leads to a spike in the blood sugar level. High blood sugar, if left untreated, can damage organs, increase the risk of heart attack, kidney disease and liver problem.
Constantly monitoring the blood glucose level helps to manage the health condition and prevent complications. Nowadays testing blood sugar has become easier with a portable blood glucose meter. You can test your sugar level anytime at your home with a simple blood sample test. We tell you the right time and method to measure your sugar level.
When to test your blood sugar
You can do the test multiple times a day to monitor the fluctuation, but it is important to consult your doctor about the frequency. Depending on your health condition, your doctor will tell you how often you should do it. You can do it:
Before meals and snacks
Before and after exercise
Before going to bed at night
Also, ask your doctor about your reasonable blood sugar range. Your doctor will tell your maximum and minimum level depending on the type of diabetes, age, pregnancy status, complications and overall health.
As per the American Diabetes Association (ADA), your general blood sugar level should be:
Between 80 and 130 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or 4.4 to 7.2 millimoles per litre (mmol/L) before meals
Less than 180 mg/dL (10.0 mmol/L) 2 hours after meals
Here is how you should test your blood glucose correctly
Directions
Wash your hands and dry it properly.
Put a test strip into your meter.
With the help of your lancing device (needle provided with test kit) prick the side of your fingertip to get a drop of blood.
Touch and hold the edge of the test strip to the drop of blood.
Wait for a few seconds for the meter to show the results on the screen.
The risks of self-testing
There are several benefits of self-testing, biggest being it is easy and convenient. But there are also some risks like:
Multiple punctures
Excessive bleeding
Lightheadedness or fainting
Blood collecting under your skin
Infection
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