Blood Glucose Reading

A blood glucose reading is imperative for someone who has been diagnosed with diabetes. A diabetic must perform regular blood glucose readings in order to monitor their blood sugar and manage their disease. To perform a blood glucose reading, the diabetic must get a small blood sample, place it on a test strip, and let the glucometer do the rest.

Blood Glucose Reading - Methods

As mentioned, a diabetic patient uses a blood glucose meter (or glucometer) to obtain a blood glucose reading. This is usually done after meals, after activity, or after medication has been taken so that the diabetic can detect any trends in their blood glucose levels. It is crucial to maintain a regular blood glucose reading schedule for successful management of diabetes.

Blood Glucose Reading - What To Look For

The American Diabetes Association (ADA) has suggested target goals for blood glucose. When doing a blood glucose reading, the diabetic will want a blood glucose level in the range of 90-130 mg/dl if doing the reading before a meal, or 180 mg/dl two hours AFTER a meal. The American Association of Clinical Endrocrinologists (AACE) has much stricter guidelines. The diabetic should be sure to ask their physician what an appropriate blood glucose reading should be.

Blood Glucose Reading - Why?

Why is it important to do a regular blood glucose reading? Because blood glucose can build up in a diabetic’s system, leading to several health complications. These complications can range from blindness, to heart disease, to kidney disease, to circulation problems. A diabetic does not naturally produce enough of the hormone insulin to manage their blood glucose, so a blood glucose reading is a necessary part of diabetes management.

Blood Glucose Reading - Advantages

There are numerous advantages to a regular blood glucose reading. The diabetic has knowledge of their blood glucose by doing a regular reading, which minimizes the risks associated with elevated levels of blood glucose. By doing a regular blood glucose reading, the diabetic knows which foods to avoid, or which activities help lower blood glucose levels.

Blood Glucose Reading - Summary

Since a diabetic does not produce enough insulin to regulate their blood glucose, it is necessary for a diabetic to perform a regular blood glucose reading. This is done by testing a small sample of blood with the use of a glucometer. The blood glucose reading is usually done just before a meal or two hours after a meal, or after an activity. To successfully manage diabetes, it is crucial to perform a regular blood glucose reading.