Can I check my blood sugar level myself?

Can I check my blood sugar level myself?

If you have diabetes, self-testing your blood sugar (blood glucose) can be an important tool in managing your diabetes and preventing complications. You can test your blood sugar at home with a portable electronic device called a blood sugar meter using a small drop of your blood.

When to check your blood sugar in the morning?

But, she explains, it’s important to check your blood sugar at 2 a.m. or 3 a.m. to make sure you aren’t experiencing a drop in glucose levels. Talk to your doctor or health care provider about your morning blood sugar levels; together, the two of you can come up with a goal and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

Do you need to monitor your blood sugar at home?

Not everyone with diabetes needs to monitor their blood glucose at home. However, under a few conditions, your provider may feel that it’s worth considering: If you are taking medications that can cause your blood sugar to fluctuate drastically, such as insulin or certain non-insulin diabetes medications How can measuring my blood sugar help?

What should I do before a blood sugar test?

Before you use a blood glucose meter, the ADA recommends washing your hands (this will eliminate any contaminants that can cause errors or inaccuracies on the reading) and using the lancing device to get a drop of blood. After you hold the test strip against the drop of blood, your blood sugar levels should appear on the meter.

How does a blood glucose test work at home?

People can test their blood glucose at home using a blood glucose monitor. Home blood glucose monitoring indicates how effectively the body is processing glucose. A home blood glucose kit reads glucose testing strips. These strips allow the machine to detect the level of glucose in a drop of blood.

Your doctor will likely ask you to check your blood sugar levels between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. for several nights in a row. If your blood sugar is consistently low during this time, the Somogyi effect is suspected.

Can you check your blood sugar at home?

You can check your blood sugar levels at home using a glucose meter or an A1C test. However, see your doctor if you suspect you have diabetes or if your test results show you have high blood sugar.

When to check your blood sugar for the dawn phenomenon?

Your doctor will likely ask you to check your blood sugar levels between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. for several nights in a row. If your blood sugar is consistently low during this time, the Somogyi effect is suspected. If the blood sugar is normal during this time period, the dawn phenomenon is more likely to be the cause.

Before you use a blood glucose meter, the ADA recommends washing your hands (this will eliminate any contaminants that can cause errors or inaccuracies on the reading) and using the lancing device to get a drop of blood. After you hold the test strip against the drop of blood, your blood sugar levels should appear on the meter.