Most people check their blood glucose at home using a blood glucose meter or monitor. This device is a small machine that gives results in seconds by taking a tiny drop of blood with a lancet (small pen-like tool), putting it on a test strip and then reading your blood glucose level. There are a variety of monitors available for people with poor eyesight and arthritic hands. You and your health care professional will decide which monitor suits your needs.
You should check your blood glucose levels throughout the day, usually first thing in the morning, before meals and 2 hours after dinner. You and your health care professional will decide the best times for you to monitor your blood glucose. You will need to check your blood glucose more often whenever you feel sick, make changes in eating habits or start/stop an exercise program. Remember the only way to know your blood glucose level is to check it regularly even if you feel healthy.
The American Diabetes Association has determined the following levels:
Before any meal (including fasting) 70-130 mg/dL
2 hours after the start of a meal under 180 mg/dL
A1C under 7%
Remember that you and your health care professional may choose target levels that are different than those listed above. These target levels are based on your unique situation and needs.
What is A1C?
A1C checks a substance called hemoglobin found in red blood cells. Hemoglobin is a protein that glucose sticks to. When you monitor your A1C levels over several months your health care professional can look at an overall average reading. If this reading is higher than 7% you may need to adjust your daily routine and medications. A1C gives us a clearer picture of your overall glucose control and is an important part of your diabetic profile.
Testing Your Blood Glucose
Always wash your hands with warm water before testing.
Allow the blood to flow down into your fingertips.
Using your lancet, prick the side of your finger or alternate testing site.
Apply a drop of blood to the test strip.
Your meter will give you your blood glucose levels in seconds. Record your results in a journal or log book.
There are alternative meters available today that let you use sites other then your fingers for testing such as your forearm, palm and outer thigh. Check your meter instructions to decide where the best place to test is for you. Always keep your meter clean, never use expired test strips and keep them at room temperature, wash your hands thoroughly and calibrate your meter accurately to ensure that your readings are correct.
Insulin
There are several different types of insulin available. Bolus insulin such has rapid-acting and short-acting insulin are taken before meals. They work by raising your blood glucose as you eat. Basal insulin such as intermediate and long-acting insulin is taken in the morning, at night or once a day and works continuously to regulate your blood glucose. Insulin can be pre-mixed which contain several types of insulin in a single vial, cartridge or pen.
The types of insulin are listed below:
Humulin 70/30, Novolin 70/30 and Humulin 50/50 - each contain mixtures of short acting and intermediate acting insulin.
Humalog Mix 75/25 and Novolog Mix 70/30 - each contain a mixture of rapid acting and intermediate insulin.
This website contains information for instructional and educational purposes only. You should not use this information to diagnose, advise, or treat any individual on your own. Always contact a health care professional before starting, stopping or diagnosing any concerns you may have including, diet, exercise, medication or other lifestyle changes.
