For individuals living with diabetes, home blood sugar testing plays a pivotal role in managing the condition effectively. Monitoring blood sugar levels at home empowers patients to take control of their health, make informed decisions, and work closely with healthcare providers. This article delves into the significance of home blood sugar testing and its impact on diabetes management. Read through..
I. Why is Regular Blood Glucose Monitoring Important?
Living with diabetes can be challenging. Diabetes is a chronic condition that requires constant management and monitoring of blood sugar levels. Individuals with diabetes often need to make significant lifestyle changes, including dietary modifications, regular exercise, and taking medications or insulin. They may also face the risk of complications if blood sugar levels are not adequately controlled. Sharing some benefits of monitoring your blood glucose regularly:
1. Helps Maintain Optimal Blood Sugar Levels - Home blood sugar testing helps individuals with diabetes monitor their glucose levels throughout the day. By tracking these readings, patients can identify patterns and understand how diet, exercise, stress, and medication impact their blood sugar levels.
2. Early Detection of Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia - Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) are common challenges faced by individuals with diabetes. Regular home blood sugar testing enables timely detection of these fluctuations, allowing patients to take immediate action. This proactive approach helps prevent severe hypoglycemic or hyperglycemic episodes.
3. Personalized Treatment Adjustments - Testing blood sugar at home helps doctors personalise diabetes care. With accurate readings, healthcare professionals can create treatment plans, adjust medications, and suggest lifestyle changes to meet individual needs. This personalised approach is essential for controlling blood sugar levels and improving overall health.
4. Improved Diabetes Self-Management - Home blood sugar testing empowers people to take charge of their diabetes care. Regular monitoring helps them understand how daily choices affect blood sugar levels. This leads to making better food choices, taking medications as prescribed, and following healthcare advice more effectively.
5. Enhanced Quality of Life - Keeping blood sugar levels stable with home testing greatly improves the lives of people with diabetes. Good control lowers the risk of complications like nerve damage, kidney issues, and vision problems associated with diabetes.
6. Better Adherence to Treatment Plans - Home blood sugar testing encourages accountability and adherence to treatment plans. The ability to observe the direct impact of lifestyle choices on blood sugar levels motivates patients to follow prescribed regimens more diligently.
II. When should I monitor my BGLs?
According to Diabetes Australia, the frequency of checking your BGLs depends on your treatment plan, such as insulin usage. Your diabetes team will provide guidance on when and how often to monitor. Generally, you can check:
- In the morning when you wake up to measure your fasting glucose level.
- Before a meal, especially if you take insulin.
- Two hours after a meal to assess the impact of the meal or mealtime insulin dose.
- Occasionally, during the night at 2-3 am, especially if you are on a basal insulin.
Additionally, perform BGL checks in the following situations:
- Before operating any vehicle - your BGL should be above 5.0mmol/L to drive safely.
- When you experience a hypoglycemic episode (hypo).
- Before and after engaging in any physical activity, such as walking, gardening, or exercise.
- If you fall ill or feel unwell.
- Whenever you have concerns about your diabetes management.
III. What devices are used to monitor glucose levels?
You can monitor glucose levels using different devices: a Blood Glucose Metre, Flash Glucose Monitor (Flash GM), or Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM).
1. Blood glucose metres:
A blood glucose metre measures your BGL using a small blood drop. You'll need a finger pricking device with lancets and monitoring strips. There are various metres available, but not all strips are subsidised by NDSS. Consult a diabetes educator or pharmacist to choose a suitable metre and learn the correct technique for accurate results.
2. Flash Glucose Monitors (Flash GM):
A Flash GM is a sensor worn on the arm for 2 weeks. It reads glucose levels under the skin and needs scanning with a reader or app to show results. It captures readings every 5 minutes, providing 8 hours of data for you and your healthcare team. Note that Flash GMs don't measure blood glucose levels directly, so occasional finger prick checks are necessary, as readings lag by 5-10 minutes.
3. Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGM):
A CGM continuously reads glucose levels under the skin. It consists of a sensor and transmitter. The sensor is replaced every 1-2 weeks and attached to a reusable transmitter. CGM readings can be sent to a receiver, smartphone app, or insulin pump. CGMs can sound alarms for abnormal glucose levels, but they may require calibration with blood glucose metre readings as readings lag by 5-10 minutes.
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IV. Ways to record BGLs
Recording your blood glucose readings is helpful when managing diabetes. Share your results with your healthcare team and seek their guidance on interpreting the readings for diabetes management decisions.
- Paper diary: Write down your BGLs. Some metre manufacturers or healthcare teams may provide a diary for this purpose.
- Phone apps: Certain metres can send BGLs to your smartphone via an app. The app stores the data and allows you to share it directly with your healthcare team.
- Your metre: Some healthcare providers can download information from your metre. You'll need to provide your metre for this process.
Conclusion
Home blood sugar testing is a vital component of diabetes management. Regular monitoring empowers individuals with diabetes to take charge of their health, make informed decisions, and work closely with their healthcare team. By understanding their blood sugar levels and identifying patterns, individuals can make necessary adjustments to their diet, exercise, and medication, leading to better glycemic control and improved overall health outcomes. With the availability of various monitoring devices, people with diabetes have diverse options to choose from based on their needs and preferences. Embracing home blood sugar testing as part of their daily routine empowers individuals to lead fulfilling lives while effectively managing their diabetes.
References:
- Diabetes Australia. (n.d.). Blood Glucose Monitoring. Retrieved from https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/managing-diabetes/blood-glucose-monitoring/
- Australian Diabetes Society.(n.d.). Diabetes Management Guidelines. Retrieved from: https://www.diabetessociety.com.au/ads-anzca-perioperative-hyperglycaemia-guidelines-adults/
- National Diabetes Services Scheme. (n.d.). Glucose Monitoring. Retrieved from: https://www.ndss.com.au/
