Monitoring

When your blood sugar is within normal range, you will feel better and you will also reduce the risk of developing long term complications.  Therefore it is important to check your blood sugar regularly to determine whether it is within range, whether it is high or low.

Blood sugar monitoring gives a snapshot of your then current blood sugar.  It also helps you analyze how your body response to many things including certain foods, medication, exercise, illness and stress. Talk with your doctor and/or a diabetes educator about the best times for you to check your blood sugar/glucose.

The following charts the general guidelines for normal blood sugar ranges.

If your blood sugar is too high:

• Drink water
• Exercise (only if not above 250 mg/dl)

If your blood sugar is too low:

• Eat or drink fast acting carbohydrate (15 grams)
• Call healthcare provider if consistently high or low 2 days in a row

The Glycosylated Hemoglobin Test (A1c) is an excellent tool for determining the average blood sugar levels for a period of three months.  Click here to learn more about A1c test.