Around 463 million people worldwide live with diabetes. The International Diabetes Federation predicts that this number will rise to approximately 700 million by 2045. Educating patients and loved ones about effective diabetes management is more important than ever.
Monitoring your blood glucose levels regularly is a vital part of diabetes management. Glucose meters and continuous glucose monitors are helpful tools to monitor the blood sugar range effectively. Read on to learn about the importance of blood glucose monitoring and how you can make the process more efficient and straightforward.
The Importance of Monitoring Blood Glucose Levels
Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that causes high blood sugar. When left untreated for a long time, high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) can result in irreversible damage to your organs. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can also be dangerous as it can cause dizziness, confusion, blurred vision, and even coma.
In addition to warning you when sugar levels are too high or low, regular blood glucose monitoring allows you to observe how diabetes drugs affect blood sugar. This will let your doctor know if the treatment is working and if the medications need to be adjusted.
Blood sugar monitoring also helps you understand how nutrition, exercise, and stress affect blood glucose levels. You can use this knowledge to improve your diet, exercise, lifestyle accordingly.
When Should You Check Your Blood Glucose Levels?
In type 1 diabetes, the doctor may ask you to test your blood sugar four to ten times a day. For type 2 diabetes, depending on the type and amount of insulin you use, the doctor may recommend blood sugar testing multiple times a day. You may have to check your blood sugar
- Before and After Meals and Snacks
- Before and After Workout
- Before Going to Bed
At times, you may be required to monitor your blood sugar level throughout the night. If you are sick, you may need to check your blood sugar more frequently.
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)
Most people check their blood glucose using a fingerstick blood glucose monitoring device. But, if you are not fond of pricking your fingers every couple of hours, a CGM might be a more suitable option.
Additionally, continuous glucose monitoring allows you to observe how your blood sugar varies throughout the day and at night. In contrast, manual glucose monitoring can only show you your blood sugar levels at the moment of testing.
CGM is particularly beneficial to those with type 1 diabetes. They shed light on how different food and activities affect your blood sugar. Understanding when and why your blood glucose levels fluctuate allows you to make the lifestyle changes you need to maintain a stable and healthy blood sugar level.
They use a sensor implanted under the skin to measure blood sugar every few minutes. Once implanted, the sensor can last up to three months. A transmitter worn on the body is wirelessly connected to a smartphone app where you can receive blood sugar readings from the sensor. They also have an alarm that rings when your glucose levels rise or fall too quickly.
The most significant disadvantage of CGM is that you rely exclusively on digital data and ignore what your body is telling you. Irrespective of what the blood sugar reading on your smartphone says, consult with a healthcare specialist immediately if you feel something is off with your body.
If you have questions or concerns about blood sugar monitoring devices, reach out to us at Helping Diabetics USA! We strive to ensure everyone with diabetes has access to efficient and economical diabetes management aids. Contact us today to learn more!