Chapter 2: Monitoring Your Blood Glucose
Checking Blood Glucose The first step in managing diabetes is learning to check (monitor) the level of glucose (sugar) in your blood. This will help you make daily decisions about blood glucose control. Monitoring isn’t hard to do. Your diabetes team will show you how. You will also learn how to keep a record of your numbers (readings). Your readings show you how food, activity, stress, and medication affect your blood glucose every day.
Using a Blood Glucose Meter You can check your blood glucose at home, at work, or anywhere else. Your diabetes team will help you select a blood glucose meter. A meter measures the amount of glucose in your blood. You’ll use a lancet to prick your finger for a tiny drop of blood. The meter then gives you a reading that tells you the level of your blood glucose. With today’s meters, you can test just about anywhere you go.
Aim for Your Target Range Your blood glucose should be in your target range as often as possible. This means not too high and not too low. Staying in this range as often as possible helps reduce your risk of complications. Your diabetes team will help you figure out your ideal target range. Fill in the numbers for your target range in the box below. Fill in your numbers here.
My Target Range Before a Meal: Between _______ and ________ . 2 Hours After a Meal: Between _______ and ________ .
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