When to Check Glucose?

Insulin is produced in the pancreas. For a diabetic, insulin is either not produced or is ineffective. Non-diabetic individuals have insulin that converts the body's glucose to glycogen. This process is responsible for reducing the blood's glucose levels. For a diabetic, this process in unable to take place, thus raising glucose levels. Those with chronically high glucose levels can suffer nerve damage, heart disease, eye problems, poor blood circulation and other complications. Because high glucose levels can trigger many illnesses that range from seemingly harmless conditions to potentially life-threatening diseases, it is essential to regularly monitor glucose.

When to Check Glucose

• Any diabetic will benefit from regularly checking his glucose levels. It is highly recommended to do blood glucose checks when: taking diet or insulin pills; undergoing insulin therapy; pregnant; experiencing difficulty in controlling glucose levels; and experiencing severe low ketones or glucose levels.

  Your physician typically will tell you how often to check your glucose levels. Testing schedules are based on the type of medication being taken and how well the blood's sugar levels respond . When you begin to take diabetes medication or are first diagnosed, glucose levels are monitored more frequently. If you are pregnant, feel stressed or are taking new medication, tests must be done more often as well.

  The best time to take the test will depend on the medication, your mealtime habits and glucose control. Your doctor will provide you with a schedule based on these factors, and will also give you a set of numbers that are in the acceptable range of results.

Recommendations for Glucose Testing

• The main tool in checking blood glucose levels is through blood glucose monitoring. Most diabetes keep a log monitoring their glucose levels. The log allows you to monitor results and keep record of them. Showing this to your doctor will give him a clearer representation of your condition and how your body is responding to the prescribed plan, so he can make necessary changes if required.

How to Check Glucose

• During a blood check, you will prick your finger with a needle to get a small sample of blood. Before doing this, wash your hands. There are also lancing devices available to make the process more tolerable.

  Blood glucose meters are an alternative option. These little machines read blood glucose levels. Your glucose level will appear in a screen, just like a handy calculator. Have your physician or health care provider instruct you on the proper usage of the meter.