How to Explain Your Sugar Count

Blood glucose tests are a part of everyday life for people with diabetes. However, actually doing the test is only one part of the process. Knowing how to read and explain sugar counts is important for people whose well-being depends on maintaining balanced levels.

Things You'll Need

• Blood glucose meter
• Test strips
• Lancets
• Logbook

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Instructions

• 1

  Insert the testing strip into the glucose meter. Prick a clean, dry finger with a lancet and place a drop of blood onto the testing strip. The meter will automatically display your blood sugar as a number. Record the blood sugar level in a logbook, as instructed by your doctor.

• 2

  Testing before meals should yield a blood-sugar level of 70-130 mg per dL, according to Medline Plus.

• 3

  Testing after meals should yield a blood sugar level of less than 180 mg per dL, according to Medline Plus.

• 4

  Abnormally low levels of blood sugar indicate hypoglycemia, according to WebMD. In this situation, have something to eat and retest your blood in an hour. Prolonged low blood-sugar levels may indicate that a change in insulin dosage is needed.

• 5

  Abnormally high levels of blood sugar indicate hyperglycemia, according to WebMD. If high blood-sugar levels persist, talk to your doctor about potentially adding more insulin to your treatment plan.