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~ Return to Nutter's Diabetes Living Information Home Page ~ Why should I check my blood glucose? Checking your blood glucose levels will help you control your diabetes. It will also help you and your doctor or health care team to make changes to your treatment plan. You can check your own blood glucose to see what your levels are. Food, medicines, physical activity, sickness, or stress can affect your levels. How do I check my blood glucose levels? You use a blood glucose meter and a lancet (a tool to get a drop of blood) to check your own blood glucose levels. You do not have to go to the doctor’s office to do it. To check your own blood glucose, use a lancet to get a drop of blood. The meter will use the blood to give you a number. This is your blood glucose level. There are many types of meters. Some meters are made for people who have trouble with their eyes. Some take blood samples from the finger or other parts of the body. Each meter works differently. Be sure to read the papers that come with your meter. Ask your doctor, pharmacist, diabetes educator, or other health care team member to show you the right way to use your meter. 
Ask your doctor or health care team to teach you how to use your blood glucose meter.
What should my blood glucose levels be? Set your blood glucose goals with your doctor or health care team. Write down your results, and show them to your health care team. Ask your doctor or other health care team member what type of blood glucose meter you have. Some meters measure whole blood and others measure plasma values. Your blood glucose goals will depend on the type of meter you have. Most new meters give the results as plasma values. For most people, their levels should be:
Ask your health care team what your blood glucose goals are before meals, after meals, and at bedtime. Write them down. How often should I check my blood glucose? Your doctor will tell you when and how often you need to check your glucose. It is usually checked before meals, after meals, and sometimes at bedtime. People who take insulin usually need to check their glucose more often.
Talk to your health care team about how often to check your blood glucose. What should I do with the results when I check my blood glucose levels? Ask your doctor or health care team to give you a journal or log to keep track of your blood glucose levels. Write down your number each time you check your blood glucose. Make a note of things that seem to change your glucose levels, such as eating too much or being sick. Use the results in your journal to make changes to your diet and physical activity as needed. Share your glucose levels with your doctor or health care team. They will help you make a plan for keeping your diabetes under control. Ask your doctor or health care team what to do if your numbers are higher or lower than your goal level. They may suggest changes to your diet, physical activity, or medicines.
Call your doctor if your blood glucose numbers are higher or lower than your goal levels for 2 to 3 days. What can affect my blood glucose levels?
are recommendations only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, nor a replacement for prescriptions. Always seek medical advice for any health concerns from a qualified medical health care professional before using any recommendations contained in Nutter's articles. |
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