Posted by Fatima Khalil
Friday, February 17, 2023 12:00 AM
Most people with diabetes often wonder how often they should check their blood sugar levels, but apart from that, it is also important to ask if there are factors that can affect the number of times you get tested for diabetes, and this is what we learn. It is in the following lines, according to the “Times of India” website.
How often should you check your blood sugar?
According to the American Diabetes Association (ADA), people with diabetes should test their blood sugar at least three times a day, especially if you need several doses of insulin. However, the number of times a blood glucose measure that people with type 2 diabetes should take may vary according to their needs and goals.
Your doctor can help you understand when and how often you should get tested. Here are some common factors to consider.
Changes in your lifestyle
Certain lifestyle factors play an important role in managing blood sugar levels. People with diabetes need to monitor the foods they eat or avoid, the amount of exercise they do, the medications they have started and more.
All of these changes encourage frequent testing, as blood glucose levels continue to fluctuate.
Medicine
Diabetes medications reduce glucose production in the liver and improve your body’s sensitivity to insulin so your body uses insulin more effectively.
This can sometimes cause hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. Low blood sugar levels can be just as dangerous as high blood sugar levels. For this reason, if you are prescribed medications, make sure you get tested frequently to avoid any complications.
What was the blood sugar level at diagnosis?
Those with high blood sugar levels at the time of diagnosis should have more tests. A fasting blood sugar level of less than 100 mg/dL is usually normal, if it is 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate tests, you likely have diabetes. However, if it was close to 500 mg/dL when you were first diagnosed, you need to have the test done more frequently than people who have blood sugars at 180 mg/dL.
When is a blood sugar test performed?
If you are wondering when to test your blood sugar levels, here are some regular testing times for your reference.
– before the three meals
– after the training
– At bedtime
If you are taking several daily injections
– If you use long-acting insulin, you only need to test once either before breakfast, before dinner, or at bedtime.