Blood sugar testing is done to determine the levels of glucose (blood sugar) in the blood stream. This test is most often performed on patients suffering from Diabetes mellitus (DM). The doctor, patient, or caregiver will pierce the skin drawing a blood sample. Then s/he will test the sample chemically. There are numerous methods and techniques for testing. Mostly, the system measures the electrical characteristic of the blood in order to provide an average blood glucose reading from the current test sample. This gives a reading of the glucose concentration in the blood. People with diabetes must undergo this test frequently. A diabetic needs to understand the importance of Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring and the role it plays in their life.

Monitoring technology has progressed significantly over the past two decades. More often than not, current blood glucose testing is performed in the home using simple, inexpensive, small, and accurate blood glucose testing equipment.

All diabetic patients have to take their health seriously. Monitoring their blood sugar levels on a regular basis is one of the few ways to improve results, and arguably the most significant. Type 2 diabetes’ patients must check their glucose on a regular basis, 2x daily testing or more is ideal.

Patients on an insulin dosage almost certainly perform this test more than once each day. Some even test as many as ten times every day. This allows the user to extrapolate the effects of insulin and perhaps even adjust the dosage as needed. Many times this will even help the patient determine when they should take their next insulin dosage.

When the glucose levels within the blood increase beyond a certain level, the results can be severely damaging. Doing these Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring tests regularly allows fast response to abnormal glucose levels. A high glucose level in blood is condition known as Hyperglycemia. A low blood glucose level is termed as Hypoglycemia.

With regular monitoring of blood sugar, it is possible to understand how the body reacts to food, exercise, insulin, and other medications. A blood glucose monitor is an electronic device used to measure glucose levels. After inserting a disposable strip into the meter, one is able to apply a small sample of blood. Moments later, the meter will generally display blood glucose levels digitally. It is quite an effective method for monitoring blood sugar.

A normal blood glucose reading is between 70 and 130 mg/dl. Diabetics often have an average blood glucose that is much higher. The A1C test is a lab test designed to measure and extrapolate blood glucose levels over a long period of time.

An A1C test is pretty simple. Glucose (sugar in your blood stream) builds up and binds to the hemoglobin which is a protein in your red blood cells. The A1C test simply measures how much is bound. These red blood cells live for roughly 3 months so an A1C test will provide results from about the last 3 months and the lab can then extrapolate an average blood glucose level. An A1C test is excellent for lab test but in most cases a simple blood glucose machine will work better for most users. It gives you a snapshot of your blood glucose at that moment, more easily allowing you to apply reactive medications.

With advancements in medical science and technology, blood glucose monitoring has become very simple and convenient. Today, people battling from diabetes can check their blood sugar levels without depending on anyone. Diabetics are also able to take a shot of insulin privately without the necessity of a lab test. Those with diabetes have many advantages today and they should take advantage of testing to ensure their diabetes is under control.

*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.