| What is
"self-monitoring of blood glucose"? Self-monitoring of blood glucose means using a
home glucose meter to check and track your own blood sugar levels. Being able
to check your blood sugar levels on a day-to-day basis can greatly improve
your diabetes control. Today's meters can measure your blood sugar quickly and
easily.
What meter should I choose?
There are more than 20 different meters that
vary in size, shape, test time, and memory features. You can choose based on
your own preferences and needs.
Your health care provider can recommend
specific features you might want to look for. Most meters now require only a
very small amount of blood. This means that testing is less painful than in
the past and that some meters can now use blood from your forearm or thigh
instead of your fingertip.
Should everyone with diabetes check their blood
sugar?
The American Diabetes Association recommends
that all people with diabetes who are treated with insulin check their blood
sugar. For people whose diabetes is not treated with insulin, checking blood
sugar is still very helpful in deciding which and how much medicine you may
need.
How often should I check my blood sugar?
How often you need to check your blood sugar
depends on your own situation. Most experts agree that patients who use
insulin should check at least four times a day, usually before meals and at
bedtime. For patients who do not use insulin, how often to check depends on
how well your diabetes is controlled. If your blood sugar is very well
controlled, you may only need to check once in a while. If your blood sugar is
not in your target range, checking more often can provide information about
how to get your diabetes under better control. Your health care provider can
recommend a schedule for you.
How do I learn how to use a blood glucose
meter?
Your doctor, diabetes educator, or pharmacist
can teach you how to check your blood sugar. Most patients quickly learn to
use the meter and to record their results in a logbook or use their meter's
memory function to record results.
What should I do with my results?
You and your health care provider will use your
blood sugar testing results to help create the best diabetes regimen for you.
The results will let your health care provider tailor your treatment to help
you avoid both high and dangerously low blood sugar levels. By using your
meter frequently and reviewing the results with your health care team, you
will be able to achieve the lowest, safest blood sugar level possible.
SOURCE: COPYRIGHT 2002 American Diabetes Association
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group
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