Basics of Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring

Why should I check my blood glucose?

Self monitoring of blood glucose, or SMBG, with a meter helps you see how food, physical activity, and medicine affect your blood glucose levels. The readings you get can help you manage your diabetes day by day or even hour by hour. Keep a record of your test results and review it at each visit with your health care team.

How do I test my own blood glucose?

To do SMBG, you use a tiny drop of blood and a meter to measure your blood glucose level. Be sure you know how to do the test the correct way. Also, ask your health care team whether your meter gives the results as plasma or whole blood glucose. Most new meters provide the results as plasma glucose.

What is a good self-testing blood glucose goal?

Set your goals with your health care team. Blood glucose goals for most people with diabetes when self testing are on these charts.

Source: Information above published by the US Department of Health and Human Services’ National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP)

How Often Should You Check Your Blood Glucose Level?

While this is a matter for you and your health care team to decide, most people with diabetes who use insulin generally check four times per day — once before each meal and then before bed.

People with type 2 diabetes who use oral medication, or who control blood glucose levels with diet and exercise, should monitor based on individual goals for before- and after-meal glucose values. The more information you have about your blood glucose levels, the better you'll manage your diabetes. Checking blood glucose regularly and understanding the results will help you and your health care team adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Check blood glucose levels more often when:

1. Feeling ill and/or having a fever
2. Making changes to your meal plan
3. Changing your exercise/physical activity in any way
4. Changing insulin or medications

What Should I Write in My Logbook?

A logbook is vital for both you and your health care team. Logging your blood glucose results helps you learn your blood glucose patterns and what levels you should expect to see at specific times of the day. Remember to record:

1. What, how much, and how often you eat and drink
2. How much you exercise
3. Whether you are feeling sick
4. Insulin type, dosage, and time of day
5. Blood-glucose-control medication(s) and dosage
6. Emotional and stressful experiences, including when they occur

Source: Information published by the US Department of Health and Human Services’ National Diabetes Education Program (NDEP)

 

Important Notice: Information provided is for general background purposes and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment by a trained professional. You should always consult your physician about any health care questions you may have, especially before trying a new medication, diet, fitness program, or approach to health care issues.

DOC10330-Rev-A 03/07