When diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, doctors may order blood glucose testing, especially if daily insulin injections are required. Cara Harris, a certified diabetes educator at the Ohio State University Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Research, said, “Using insulin can have the risk of causing hypoglycemia to occur, and that can be extremely dangerous.” She added that regular blood glucose testing can identify trends or problems in time and alert doctors or other health care providers to change medications if needed.
To test blood glucose, a glucometer, a device that takes blood from the fingertip, is needed to test a tiny sample of blood. “Today, most blood glucose meters are very similar,” Harris said, but she noted that some brands have different features, such as the ability to test on parts of the body other than the finger, or to record information about food intake. Harris said that if you need help choosing a blood glucose meter, ask a diabetes educator.
Many doctors say you should test your blood glucose 2 to 4 times a day. In some cases, Harris said, “Patients may be tested without washing their hands after peeling an orange, which can change the results.” If soap and water are not nearby, you can use hand sanitizer, but be sure to dry your hands before testing.
The results should be recorded after each blood glucose test, which makes it easy to review the values with your doctor or diabetes educator and spot relevant trends. “It’s not the test that matters, it’s what you do with the results,” Harris emphasized. “Be sure to communicate with your doctor about the interpretation of the blood glucose values.” If blood glucose levels are too high or too low, she says, it could be the result of food choices, exercise or medication. Adjusting your routine can help bring blood glucose levels back into the target range, which is usually between 80 and 130 mg/dl. Harris noted that goals may vary from patient to patient from that target range, which is also related to factors such as age.
Harris suggests that while using a glucose meter to record check data, also recording this information in a log or entering it into an app makes it easier to view and identify potential problems. harris says some of her patients use apps like glucosbuddy and mySugr. On both Android and Apple devices, these apps are free.
At your next visit, ask your diabetes educator:
- What blood glucose target range should I set?
- What will happen if I stop having my blood glucose tested?
- Can I send you my blood glucose log?
- Can you recommend any apps?
- Can you recommend any apps or websites to keep track of my blood glucose levels?
- Can you recommend any apps or websites to keep track of my blood glucose levels?