The glucose check is relatively simple, but it's vital to check our sugar levels in the body and begin a protocol to prevent and/or treat possible sugar problems.

In case of suffering from Diabetes or as prevention, you should continuously monitor your glucose levels. Doing this can be an essential tool in managing your Diabetes or avoiding possible complications.

You can do a blood glucose check at home with a portable electronic device called a blood glucose meter; this device allows you to measure the glucose level in a small drop of blood. You can also use a device called a continuous glucose monitor.

Measuring your blood glucose level will provide you with useful information for managing diabetes.

It can help you with the following:

• Control the effects diabetes medications may have on blood glucose levels

• Know how diet and exercise affect blood glucose levels

• Identify which blood glucose levels are high or low

• Continue your progress towards your overall treatment goals

• Understand how other factors, such as stress or illness, damage blood glucose levels

When to check your blood sugar level?

The doctor will be in charge of indicating how often you should check your blood glucose levels. How often will depend on the type of diabetes you have and your treatment plan.

Diabetes type 1

If you have type 1 diabetes, your doctor may suggest checking your blood glucose four to 10 times a day.

Your doctor will likely tell you to take the following measurements:

• Before meals and snacks
• Before and after exercise
• Before you go to bed
• Sometimes during the night
• In case of being sick, perform them more frequently
• In case of changing your daily routine, measure your glucose level more frequently
• In case of starting a new medicine, measure the glucose level more frequently

Type 2 diabetes

If you take insulin to control type 2 diabetes, your doctor may suggest that you take a blood glucose test several times a day; this will depend on the type and amount of insulin you use. Testing before meals and at bedtime or if you are taking multiple daily injections is generally recommended.

If you use only a medium-acting or long-acting insulin, you may only need to do a test before breakfast and dinner.

If you control type 2 diabetes with medications without using insulin or diet and exercise, it is unnecessary to test your blood glucose level daily.

Know your desired level

Consult with your doctor about what would be an appropriate range of blood glucose in your case. Your doctor will establish desirable blood glucose test results based on several factors, including the following:

• Age
• Type and severity of diabetes
• The period in which you have had diabetes
• Pregnancy status
• Detect complications of diabetes
• General health and presence of other diseases

Some people will have slightly higher blood glucose goals; these include:

• People aged 60 or over
• People with diseases of the heart, lungs, kidneys, etc.
• People who have a reduced ability to perceive low blood glucose levels (hypoglycemia ignorance)

How to measure your blood sugar

To perform the blood glucose test, you will need a blood glucose meter. The meter allows you to read the amount of glucose using a small sample of blood. Usually, this sample is obtained from the finger's tip, which you place on a disposable test strip. Regardless of using a continuous glucose monitor, a blood glucose meter will be required to calibrate your constant glucose monitor daily.

Your doctor will recommend the device that is most appropriate for you. It will also tell you how you should use your meter.

Follow the treatment provided by your doctor or Endocrinologist. Living a healthy lifestyle can help you manage this disease.

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