Glucose is one of the most important sources of energy for our bodies. All the carbohydrates that we intake get broken down mostly into glucose. Our bodies release a hormone known as Insulin that plays a major role in regulating the amount of glucose in our blood stream. But sometimes, our bodies fail to do so leading to higher blood glucose(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood_sugar) which over the long run may lead to diseases like diabetes. Thus, it is very important that you carry out blood glucose testing at regular intervals. This way, you will always know what is going on inside your body.

How to test your blood glucose?

For testing the level of glucose, all you need is a sample of your blood. Earlier, it took days or hours to get the results of such tests. But with so much advancement in medical science, it’s just a matter of minutes or seconds now. There are many testing tools available that help you in keeping track of your blood glucose as often as you need to. A needle pricks your finger to draw a little blood. This blood is applied to a testing strip inserted into a glucose meter that gives the glucose reading.

You can also get a Continuous Glucose Monitor if you do not like getting your hand pricked every now and then. You can carry out these tests when- a) You haven’t eaten anything for at least eight hours or b) At least two hours after you intake any form liquid of glucose. If you fasted before taking the test, the normal blood glucose level is between 70 and 100 mg/dL. But if you perform a random test, the level must be below 125 mg/dL.

When to take the test?

If you are diabetic, doctors recommend keeping a daily log of your blood glucose so you have to test it as often as you can. Otherwise, here are some symptoms that are clear indications of high glucose levels-

.  Blurry vision
·  Increased thirst
·  Increased urination in the night
·  Slow healing of the body
And here are the symptoms of low glucose levels:
· Excessive sweating
· Increased hunger
· Trembling
· Anxiety
· Feeling confused at all times

If you are experiencing these symptoms frequently, you may want to get a glucose meter and carry out frequent blood glucose testing.

Risks involved in testing:

It is relatively easy to find the right piercing spot on your finger for most people. Some may find it a little painful. In some exceptional cases, getting a blood sample may get a little difficult. This happens because our bodies are different, our arteries and veins vary in size and position. Worst case scenario, you may suffer from excessive bleeding, fainting, and blood accumulation under the skin or an infection.

Increased or decreased level of blood glucose is more common than you would think and can happen to anyone. You need to take care of your diet and keep track of the blood glucose at all times. You can find the best blood glucose testing equipment here (https://www.diabetic-shoppe.com/). They have been helping diabetic patients for long time and helping them live happier lives with the best service ever.

*The author of this blog is not a medical professional and this article does not contain professional medical advice. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, treatment, or diagnosis. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of the contents of this article. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.