For people with diabetes, regular blood sugar monitoring is a must to stay healthy and avoid complications. But going to a doctor every week to test your blood sugar will cost time and money. So, most diabetes patients switch to blood sugar monitoring at home with the help of a CGM system, also known as a glucose monitor. Wondering how to check diabetes at home on your own? Here’s your comprehensive guide to performing a blood sugar test.
Why Is Home Diabetes Testing Important?
When you do blood sugar testing, you get useful information for managing diabetes. You will be able to:
- Track if the diabetes medicine prescribed by your doctor is effective.
- Adjust the doses of your diabetes medicines under the guidance of your healthcare provider.
- See if your blood sugar levels are low or high at any time of the day. This way, when the blood sugar level drops suddenly, you can eat the right foods.
- Learn how your body reacts to different foods and exercises and set up a routine keep diabetes in check naturally.
- Track your progress in reaching specific treatment goals.
- Develop a clear understanding of how various factors like stress or sickness or stress end up affecting your blood sugar levels.
When to Do a Blood Sugar Test?
The answer to this question varies based on the type of diabetes as well as the treatment plan.
Home testing for type 1 diabetes
Continuous glucose monitors are great devices for checking blood sugar multiple times per day and doctors recommend the same to people with type 1 diabetes. The optimal times of testing are:
- Before snacks and meals
- Sometimes, after having food
- Before going to bed
- During, after, and before exercising
- At night
- After eating something sugary to treat low blood sugar
- If the individual is sick
- If any changes have been made to the daily routine
- Before starting any new medication
When to check your blood sugar for type 2 diabetes?
If you take insulin daily, then also your doctor might suggest self-monitoring of blood glucose through a test kit. Ideally, testing is at bedtime and before meals is advised. If you take several insulin shots throughout the day, then also it will be wise to test after using an insulin pump.
This does not mean that people who do not take insulin injections don’t need home diabetes testing kits. It becomes more crucial to test every day when you’re keeping diabetes in check only through exercise and diet.
Gestational diabetes is yet another type of diabetes that requires constant monitoring. When someone develops diabetes during their pregnancy, it is known as gestational diabetes, and it can adversely impact the health of the mom as well as the fetus. To avoid any diabetes complications, you need to test your blood daily once your healthcare team confirms that you have gestational diabetes.
What Is a CGM?
Because of their ease of use, CGMs are becoming increasingly popular as devices for monitoring blood sugar levels. They keep measuring the person’s blood sugar at frequent intervals. If you prefer a CGM, one device will be placed on your skin and a sensor will be placed under your skin. These sensors are disposable, and they generally last up to 10 days. Implanted sensors, on the other hand, can last till 6 months.
CGMs come with a wireless device which you have to wear on your body. It will act as a transmitter, and it will send information that you will view on your phone.
Glucose Testing at Home with Test Strips
Follow these simple steps:
- Carefully go through the instructions mentioned on the home test kit.
- Figure out how to use different components.
- Before touching the kit, wash your hands properly with soap and water.
- Take a lancing device and prick a fingertip to get one big drop of blood. It may be required to squeeze the finger if blood doesn’t come out. It the blood you get is not sufficient, try pricking another finger.
- Holding the test strip’s edge against your drop of blood, wait for a few seconds. The blood glucose level will be displayed on the screen of the meter.
Note: All blood glucose monitors are not the same. For accurate testing, going through the user’s manual is a must.
Diabetes Home Care Tips
Now you know how important it is to test blood sugar. Other than home blood glucose test, diabetes care encompasses the following:
- Not smoking
- Take good care of your teeth as diabetes can cause gum infections
- Do not take stress
- Keep your BP in check
The Takeaway
While all the above-mentioned methods are effective in monitoring the blood sugar levels, only your doctor knows what’s best for you. How often you should check depends on the type of diabetes and your doctor will let you know. So, before ordering a continuous glucose monitor, it’s better to have a discussion with your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are the most reliable methods to check diabetes at home?
Not sure how to take blood sugar reading without the assistance of a medical professional? For non-invasive diabetes testing at home, a glucose meter can be used. A1C tests are also quite useful. For blood tests, you have to go to a doctor.
Q. How often should I check my blood sugar levels at home?
How many times per week you should get blood sugar levels checked depends on the type of diabetes. You may have to do it several times a day and so, better consult an experienced doctor.
