Blood sugar monitoring with a blood glucose meter is an essential component of diabetes management because blood sugar levels fluctuate. Apart from eating right and being active regular checking of your blood sugar levels minimizes your risk of developing diabetic complications. When do you check your blood sugar level? Why do you need to check your blood sugar level? I understand it is quite painful to check your blood sugar level using a blood glucose meter; nevertheless daily blood glucose check is reserved for some diabetics. In this article, I will highlight the reasons why you need to check your blood sugar level, when to check and home based interventions.
WHY SHOULD YOU CHECK YOUR BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS?
Glucose is the primary source of energy for your body tissues. Therefore, a low blood sugar reduces your energy levels. In contrast, high blood glucose concentration damages target organs and tissues of the eyes, kidneys, brain and cardiovascular system. Hence, your blood sugar level has to be monitored to ensure it is within the normal limit.
DIABETICS WHO REQUIRE REGULAR BLOOD SUGAR MONITORING
Frequent monitoring of blood glucose is reserved for diabetics on insulin and oral drugs like Sulfonylureas which lower blood sugar levels. Thus, individuals whose blood sugar is controlled by diet and exercise need not check their blood sugar regularly. However, there are certain signs that should prompt you to check your blood sugar level regardless.
BLOOD SUGAR METER DEVICE
The blood sugar meter device is called a glucometer. You have to ask your doctor to explain precisely how to use the machine and the expected range of normal glucose values for a fasting blood sugar and a random blood sugar test.
SYMPTOMS OF LOW BLOOD SUGAR LEVEL
- Extreme tiredness and hunger
- Nervousness
- Sweaty palms
- Dizziness
POSSIBLE CAUSES OF LOW BLOOD SUGAR
- Eating fewer amount of carbohydrates than usual.
- Prolonged Exercise.
- Ingesting a higher dose of your medication.
- Skipping meals
HOW TO MANAGE LOW BLOOD SUGAR AT HOME
- Drink half a glass of a sugary beverage like soda or fruit juice.
- Eat a small piece of a glucose snack such as bread or biscuit
- Recheck your blood sugar to assess your intervention.
- If no improvement, call your doctor to intervene
SYMPTOMS OF HIGH BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVEL
- Excessive thirst
- Increased urination
- Blurred vision
- Weakness
POSSIBLE CAUSES OF HIGH BLOOD GLUCOSE
- Skipping your drugs.
- Eating high carbohydrate meals
- Reducing your exercises
- Psychosomatic stress
HOW TO MANAGE HIGH BLOOD GLUCOSE AT HOME
- Drink lots of water.
- Decrease the quantity of carbohydrates in your diet
- Seek professional counsel from your doctor.
TRACKING YOUR BLOOD SUGAR VALUES
You need an objective and subjective method to track your blood sugar levels over a certain period. A glycated hemoglobin test (HBA1C) test is an objective way to assess your blood sugar control in the last 3 months. You can request this test from your doctor if you have not done this previously. Also, you should keep a log book to register your blood sugar values each time you use your glucose monitoring device. During your blood sugar check up with your doctor, endeavor to show these registered values to your doctor for interpretation and feedback.
In conclusion, regular blood sugar monitoring is pivotal in the holistic care of diabetic patients.
Diabetic patients on medications such as insulin or oral hypoglycemic drugs must check their blood sugar more often to determine when the blood glucose level is low or high.
If you are on diabetic medications, get your blood glucose monitoring device so you can track your blood sugar levels and stay healthy always.
