|  | Conditions Treatments | Medical Conditions

Tests for High Blood Sugar

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), diabetes affects nearly 16 million people in the United States. When not properly managed, diabetes can be life-threatening. The Mayo Clinic says the most-significant thing diabetics can do to prevent serious complications is to test blood sugar levels.

  1. Glucometer

    • Testing blood sugar level requires a portable blood sugar monitor (glucometer). A glucometer can detect whether a diabetic's levels are too high or too low.

      The National Institutes of Health (NIH) says conventional glucose meters come with test strips, small needles (lancets) and a logbook to track numbers. Monitors vary in size and level of sophistication. The more-advanced devices will record the time, date and results of each test and trends over a period of time.

      A complete testing kit is available over the counter at local pharmacies. A health care provider will be able to help select the best testing equipment for your needs.

    Procedure

    • As you prepare to check your blood sugar level, clean the area to be pricked with the lancent with an alcohol swab or soap and water, and dry the area thoroughly. Once the finger is pricked, put a drop of blood on a strip that uses chemical substance to establish the amount of glucose in the blood. The meter will digitally display numerical blood sugar results.

    Frequency

    • The NIH says the frequency in which blood sugar levels need to be tested depends on whether the diabetic has Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes. People with Type 1 diabetes may require testing at least three times per day. More frequent testing may be necessary if the diabetic becomes sick or if her normal routine is disrupted. If medication is taken to help control Type 2 diabetes, she may need to check her blood sugar level only once a day. People who are able to manage Type 2 diabetes with exercise and diet alone may not have to test every day.

    Variables

    • Blood sugar levels can be affected (higher or lower) by pregnancy, aging and complications related to diabetes. Once a diabetic begins keeping records of blood sugar levels, he can identify patterns that can help plan meal and medication times and other activities such as exercise.

    Target Levels

    • The NIH says normal blood sugar levels prior to eating meals are 70 to 130 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). They are less than 180 mg/dL after eating. If blood sugar levels are too high, this points to hyperglycemia and a diabetic may need higher doses of insulin. Talk to your doctor about the significance of your individual readings.

Medical Conditions - Related Articles