Less Pain… More Gain

By Andrea Knatz, RD, CDE

Posted on January 7, 2016 by DiabetesDigest.com Staff in Latest Articles, Liberty Medical

Why should I check my blood glucose? How often per day? Per week? What is the benefit of checking blood glucose first thing in the morning versus a couple of hours after a meal? If the numbers are always the same, should I try different times? Should I bother at all?

Let’s look at different conditions:

  • Do you take oral diabetes medicines or insulin? Both? Neither?
  • Did your doctor or diabetes educator suggest how many times to check daily?
  • Does your activity vary from day to day?
  • Do you eat differently from day to day?
  • Is your A1C in good control?
  • Do you ever have symptoms of low blood glucose such as shaking, sweating, or weakness?
  • Is your meter user-friendly?

Don’t feel alone. Many people with diabetes are not sure what is right for them. Your healthcare provider can suggest how often to check glucoses. This depends on your medications and your A1C. Your A1C is a blood test that averages your glucose readings over a period of time.The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists has a guideline of 6.5% or lower to be in control. The American Diabetes Association suggests 7% or lower. This is to lessen your health risks.

Read the full article “Less Pain… More Gain” at Liberty Medical.

 

 

 

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OmnichannelHealth Media, publisher of DiabetesDigest.com, does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.