If you're diabetic, there are a number of tests you can use to help you manage your blood glucose levels. One is by monitoring your glucose levels yourself using a portable glucose monitor. Another is by having your blood drawn by a clinical laboratory technician and analyzing your hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c). You can also purchase home hemoglobin A1c test kits. Monitoring blood glucose levels at home is a good way to check how your glucose levels are right now. Monitoring your HbA1c averages your blood glucose levels over the course of your red blood cells' life--approximately 120 days. They both reflect on how well you're managing your diabetes.
Step 1
Have your blood drawn and analyzed by a clinical laboratory for blood glucose concentrations. Ask the lab technician to have your sample analyzed for both fasting blood glucose and hemoglobin A1c. Your test results will indicate how well you are managing your diabetes at this point in time and will serve as a baseline measurement. Record the results of both in a small notebook.
Step 2
Purchase a home HbA1c monitoring kit from your local drug store or pharmacy. If you're not sure what to look for, ask your pharmacist about the differences between kits. Analyze a small sample of your blood for HbA1c and record the results in your notebook. An optimal HbA1c level is less than 7 percent of your total hemoglobin, or 135 mg/dL. Nine percent represents a moderately high level, or 240 mg/dL. Twelve percent represents unmanaged blood glucose--around 345 mg/dL.
Step 3
Replace high glycemic index foods with those of lower ratings. Carbohydrates are given a glycemic index (GI) that represents how quickly the food makes your blood glucose spike after digestion. The lower the number the better. For instance, prunes have a GI of 15. Dates have a GI of 103. Apricots have a GI of 57. In general, choose foods with a GI of 55 or less. Stay away from foods with a GI of 70 or higher. Your ability to manage your blood glucose through your diet over time will help to lower your HbA1c.
Step 4
Add 20 to 30 minutes of daily exercise to your schedule. After 1 month of regular aerobic exercise, add 2 to 3 days of weight training onto your exercise schedule. Exercising consumes blood glucose and makes the muscles more sensitive to insulin--a hormone that is responsible for regulating glucose uptake by the cells.
Step 5
Take all of the medications prescribed by your doctor. Whether it's injectable insulin or oral medications to increase your insulin sensitivity, they will help to lower your blood glucose levels. Blood glucose levels managed over days, weeks and months will reflect favorably on your HbA1c.
Step 6
Re-test your HbA1c and compare the results to your original test results. Share them with your doctor and registered dietitian so that they can suggest changes to your diet, exercise and medications if necessary.
Tips and Warnings
- Follow the recommendations of a registered dietitian to improve your diet. Fast for at least 12 hours before any laboratory blood test for glucose. Compare your fasting blood glucose levels with your HbA1c.
- All tests have margins of error. Call your doctor immediately if you experience changes in your symptoms.
Things You'll Need
- HbA1c home monitoring kit
- Exercise clothing
- Athletic shoes
- Diabetes medications
- Small notebook
