Why Diabetics Should Monitor Their Blood Sugar Levels Regularly

Author: John Abruzzi

In today’s world, diabetes mellitus (DM) is considered as a common metabolic disorder that can affect any individual, irrespective of age. In this condition, a person suffers from high blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia) due to various factors such as genetic predisposition, unhealthy lifestyle habits, etc. Basically, there are two types of diabetes viz. type I DM and type II DM. People suffering from any type of DM should monitor their glucose levels regularly as advised by their physician.

Type I is called as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), wherein a patient require shots of insulin to maintain their sugar levels. On the other hand, type II is called as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), in which a person has to take oral hypoglycemic medicines to control their blood-glucose levels; in few cases one may require insulin units. One can manage their blood sugar levels in type II with the help of oral medications; and by maintaining healthy weight, practicing regular physical activities and consuming healthy diet. But at the same time it is crucial to monitor your blood glucose level regularly.

Why Diabetics Need To Check Their Blood Sugar Levels On Regular Basis?

If you are suffering from diabetes, self-testing your blood glucose levels can play an important role in managing your treatment plan. This will also help you in preventing major complications of diabetes that may be life-threatening, such as cardiac arrest, stroke, and kidney failure, loss of vision, nerve damage and diabetic foot (gangrene). Regular monitoring of glucose levels will help you in maintaining overall health. It provides useful information in managing diabetes, such as –

  1. It will make you understand how exercise and diet affect blood glucose levels
  2. Also makes you understand how other medical conditions or stress/anxiety affect sugar levels
  3. Helps you in judging how well you are maintaining your blood glucose levels
  4. You can also judge how well you are achieving your treatment goals
  5. You can monitor the effects of medications on your blood glucose levels
  6. If any elevation in you sugar levels, you can immediately consult your doctor for further management with medications

When To Monitor Your Blood Glucose?

Blood sugar levels are usually performed with the help of a portable electronic device. It will measure your glucose levels with the help of just a small drop of your blood. You physician is the best person to advise you on how frequently you should check your glucose levels. Generally, your frequency of monitoring sugar levels depends on the type of DM you are suffering from and your medication.

In case of type I DM, you doctor may suggest you to test your glucose levels three or more times a day. Testing is often done before and after meals and before going to bed. This will help in adjusting the dose of insulin. In case of type II DM, if you are on insulin, your physician may ask you to do the self-test once or twice a day, depending on the insulin dosage. Testing is done mainly before meals (fasting for eight hours) and after meals, as advised by your doctor. If you are taking oral medications for type II DM with exercise and diet, then you may not require doing the test on daily basis. But it is important to follow the instructions given to you by your healthcare provider regarding the testing of blood sugar levels.

What Are The Target Levels For Diabetics?

  1. Fasting (for eight hours) – between 90 to 130 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or 5 – 7 millimoles per liter (mmol/L)
  2. Before meals – between 70 to 130 mg/dL or 4 – 7 mmol/L
  3. Two hours after meals – below 180 mg/dL or 10 mmol/L

Record Your Readings –

Whenever you perform self-test for blood sugar levels, write down the readings in a notebook. It is better to maintain a register to assess the sugar levels. Note down the date, time, readings, medication, with additional information like diet and exercise. By doing this you can keep a track on your diabetes.

Whenever you visit your physician make sure you get that notebook with you, to show your results. This will help your doctor in analyzing and evaluating your medical condition with proper treatment plan. In United States, the diabetes association provides printable chart on their website, so that you can mention your readings in it.