2023-09-03 13:44:57
Tests play a crucial role not only in diagnosing the disease, but they also help monitor the condition and help determine the treatment plan. This is very true in the case of diabetes management. Testing your blood sugar is a common practice that can be done by a medical professional or at home with proper help.
However, there are many mistakes to avoid while taking the test; According to Dr. Rajesh Bendre, head of the laboratory of Neuberg Diagnostics in Mumbai, according to the specialized medical site “Onlymyhealth”.
What you need to know about testing blood sugar
In a world where millions of people suffer from diabetes and more than ten thousand deaths annually, taking the necessary measures, making healthy lifestyle choices and regular monitoring of blood sugar is of the utmost importance.
Dr. Bender explains that empowering an individual in diabetes management involves moving away from common pitfalls of blood sugar testing. A blood sugar test helps manage diabetes and understand glucose levels in the body. Glucose is a simple sugar, obtained from the breakdown of carbohydrates in the diet. It is the primary source of energy for the body’s cells and is transported through the bloodstream to provide fuel for various bodily functions, including muscle activity and brain function. The purpose of a blood sugar test is to monitor how your body processes glucose.
Normal fasting blood sugar levels are usually between 70-100 mg/dL. However, levels may vary before and after meals. But persistently high or low levels of glucose in the blood can indicate diabetes or other health problems.
It’s important to note that illnesses, stress, medication changes, food choices, and physical activity can affect your blood sugar levels, which is why you should keep a record of your readings, meals, medications, and activities.
Mistakes to avoid when testing blood sugar levels
Dr. Bender cautions, “One of the main mistakes to avoid when it comes to blood sugar testing is inconsistent testing. Fluctuating testing times can lead to misleading results, hindering your ability to understand patterns and make informed decisions about your health. This can happen due to factors such as irregular meal timing, fluctuations in carbohydrate intake, different levels of physical activity, stress, illness, medication changes, and not adhering to a consistent testing schedule. These variables can affect glucose levels and make it difficult to establish a clear pattern for effective diabetes management.”
“Another mistake people can make is not maintaining hygiene and proper technique during the test,” Bender adds. He warns that “failure to wash your hands before the test or mishandling the glucose meter can lead to inaccurate readings, derailing your treatment plan.”
According to a study published in the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, “erroneous” or incorrect blood glucose readings may lead to “blocking treatment decisions,” meaning treatments that should not be used because they may be harmful to the person.
In addition, one should refrain from testing blood glucose levels immediately after eating “as post-meal glucose levels naturally rise due to the digestion process, making the readings less reliable for immediate medication adjustments.”
“Prioritizing pre-meal testing provides a truer basis for understanding your glucose control,” says Dr. Bender.
Testing your blood sugar is a vital tool in managing diabetes. Regular monitoring can help you maintain better control of your blood sugar levels, which is why avoiding any mistakes is key.
Dr. Bender concludes, “By avoiding these risks, you are paving the way for more accurate data and enhancing effective communication with your healthcare team. This knowledge enables you to design your lifestyle choices, medication regimen, and overall approach to diabetes management.”
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