When to Test Your Blood Sugar Levels Every Day If You Have Diabetes
Checking your blood sugar levels is a crucial aspect of managing diabetes. It provides immediate feedback on how your body responds to various factors like food, sleep, stress, and physical activity. By monitoring your glucose levels regularly, you can take proactive steps to keep your blood sugar within a healthy range and prevent complications associated with diabetes.
Factors That Influence How Often You Should Test Your Blood Sugar
Several factors determine how often you should check your blood sugar levels:
Current Diabetes Management
Your doctor will consider how well your diabetes is currently managed, including factors like how long you’ve had type 2 diabetes and your A1C levels. Based on this information, they will recommend how frequently you should monitor your blood sugar.
Oral Diabetes Medications and Insulin
If you are taking oral medications or insulin to manage your diabetes, your testing frequency will be influenced by the type of medication and your individual health needs. Your doctor will provide specific guidance on when and how often you should test your blood sugar.
Your Lifestyle
Lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, hydration, medication use, stress, sickness, and hormonal changes can affect your blood sugar levels. Depending on these factors, your doctor may recommend more frequent testing to ensure your blood sugar remains stable.
When to Test Your Blood Sugar Every Day
If You’re Taking Oral Diabetes Medication
If you are taking oral medications to manage your blood sugar, it is recommended to check your glucose levels at least once per day. The ideal time for testing depends on when you take your medication and how well your diabetes is managed.
If You’re on Insulin
If you are taking insulin, you should test your blood glucose more frequently—up to four or more times per day. This includes testing before meals, anytime you take your insulin, if you have symptoms of high or low blood sugar, in the evening before bed, and even during the night.
If You Have Symptoms of High or Low Blood Sugar
Symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) include dizziness, fast heartbeat, hunger, irritability or confusion, nervousness or anxiety, shaking, and sweating. Symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) include blurred vision, fatigue, increased thirst, and increased urination. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to test your blood sugar to take appropriate action.
Blood Sugar Targets with Diabetes
According to the American Diabetes Association, blood sugar targets for people with type 2 diabetes include:
- Before a meal: 80 to 130 mg/dL
- One to two hours after the start of a meal: Less than 180 mg/dL
When to Switch Up Your Testing Schedule
Your Medication Changes
If your doctor changes your medication or increases your insulin dose, they may recommend more frequent blood sugar monitoring to assess the effectiveness of the new regimen.
Stress and Sickness
Illness and stress can cause hormonal changes that affect your blood sugar levels. If you are sick, recovering from surgery, or experiencing high levels of stress, you may need to test your blood sugar more often to ensure it remains stable.
You Are Pregnant
Pregnancy can affect how well you can manage your diabetes, requiring closer monitoring of your blood sugar levels. If you have type 2 diabetes and become pregnant, your doctor will recommend changes to your testing frequency.
You’re Exercising More Often
Increasing your physical activity can impact your blood sugar levels. It’s essential to test your blood sugar before and after exercise to understand how your body responds to different activities and adjust your medication and diet accordingly.
Tips for Effective Blood Sugar Testing
Know Your Options
There are two primary methods for testing your blood sugar: a blood glucose meter (finger-stick test) or a continuous glucose monitor (CGM). Your healthcare provider can help you choose the best option based on your lifestyle, preferences, and insurance coverage.
Clean Before Testing
For accurate results with finger-stick testing, wash your hands with soap and water before testing. Avoid using hand sanitizer, as it can disrupt red blood cells and give inaccurate results. Additionally, clean your fingertip with alcohol and use a new lancet each time to avoid skewing results.
Watch for Patterns
Keep track of your blood sugar levels and any factors that may influence them, such as food, exercise, stress, and sleep. Recording this information can help you identify patterns and make informed decisions about managing your diabetes.
Regular blood sugar testing is essential for managing diabetes effectively. By understanding when and how often to test your blood sugar, you can take control of your health and make informed decisions about your diabetes management.
