Type 2 diabetes is an ongoing disease, but you can still go into remission when you take essential steps, such as making the necessary lifestyle changes. Monitoring your blood sugar levels is also important and plays a big part in keeping your levels under control.
By keeping a tab on your blood sugar levels, you can see what makes your numbers rise or fall. You can gain insights into how your body responds to anything you do in a day, whether it be eat, exercise, or take any medications.
You can use the information to manage your type 2 diabetes better, and that can help reduce the risks for other health complications. It also promotes personal responsibility for your health and keeps you engaged in adhering to your personal diabetes care.
Self-monitoring allows you to build your blood glucose profile, which your healthcare providers can use in individualized treatment planning. It empowers you to make informed decisions about your health.
Blood Sugar Monitoring Steps
This requires the use of a blood sugar meter and involves pricking a finger with a lancet device to get a blood sample.
Here’s the general guideline.
- Wash your hands so they are squeaky clean and dry.
- Prepare your glucose meter and ensure that it is clean too.
- Get a test strip and make sure the container is closed tightly to avoid exposing the rest of them to moisture.
- Gently massage your hand to help improve blood flow to your fingers.
- Prick your finger with a lancet, squeeze from the base of the finger, and get the small amount of blood onto the test strip.
- Place the test strip in the meter and wait for a few seconds for the reading.
- Record your results and take note of anything that might have affected the number, such as the foods that you ate recently or an activity you may have recently done.
Remember to keep your meter clean after use, and don’t share it with anyone. You must also store your test strips in their container at room temperature, away from moisture, direct sunlight, or cold temperatures.
Using Continuous Glucose Monitoring
Another tool you can use is continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), so you don’t have to deal with frequent finger pricks. You will only have to do fingerstick blood glucose readings to calibrate the device. It is attached to your skin to measure your glucose levels 24/7.
The sensor is placed on your abdomen or arm. There’s an applicator and adhesive tape that holds it in place. You need to change the sensor regularly, usually every one to two weeks.
It has a transmitter that sends the results to your mobile phone or a wearable device. You can also set device alarms. Some transmitters are reusable but others are part of a disposable sensor.
Additionally, you can download your CGM data to a computer anytime. Some devices send the data continuously and allow you to share it with your healthcare provider.
Frequency of Self-Monitoring
If you have type 2 diabetes, you only need to check your blood sugar once or twice a day, depending on the type and amount of insulin you use. Once your blood sugar level is under control, checking it a few times a week will do.
Blood glucose tests can be done when you wake up, before or after meals, and before you sleep at night. Your healthcare provider can tell you how often you need to record your results.
In Summary
Blood sugar self-monitoring is an essential aspect of managing your type 2 diabetes and having some sense of control over your health. Self-monitoring tools allow you to see how diabetes affects your body by showing you a bigger picture of your blood sugar levels over time.
Self-monitoring provides you with more information that you can use for more personalized care, guiding you on the changes you need to make in terms of diet, physical activities, stress management, etc.
You will know when your sugar goes up or down, so you can take the necessary steps to keep it within the target range. Don’t forget, your doctor is always ready to help you!
