Blood glucose test

Controlling blood glucose levels is very important for people with diabetes.

Regularly testing your blood glucose (finger piercing) can show how lifestyle changes affect blood glucose levels and help you control your diabetes. People with diabetes have an increased risk of many health problems such as heart, kidney and eye disease, nerve damage, stroke and poor blood circulation.

The normal blood glucose limits for people without diabetes are: 3.5 - 5.5 mmol / l before meals and 8 mmol / l two hours after meals; The closer the blood glucose is to 'normal' the better.

Self-surveillance (through finger needle testing at home) is best suited for:

Patients with type 1 diabetes Patients with type 2 diabetes who are treated with insulin and adjust their dose as a result of blood glucose testing Pregnant patients, whether they have type 1, type 2 or gestational diabetes. Many patients with type 2 diabetes, especially those who control their diet, take metformin or glitazone, do not need to have their blood glucose monitored at home. There is no risk of hypoglycemia, and glycemic control is better, and is adequately monitored by regular HbA1c testing.

Patients with type 2 diabetes who take sulfonylurea, a glucose-regulating drug, or an Incretin mimetic or gliptin after a meal, do not need regular testing under normal circumstances. Testing on an individual patient basis may be appropriate, as educational materials, in case of recurrent illness, to ensure safe driving. Blood glucose should be monitored where hypoglycemia is a known phenomenon.

Contact your diabetes care team for advice on blood glucose meters at home.