Glucose from the foods you consume acts as your body's primary source of cellular energy. However, if your cells cannot absorb glucose from your bloodstream properly, increases in blood glucose can trigger the onset of diabetes or hyperglycemia, also called high blood sugar. Conversely, inadequate glucose intake can trigger hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. You can measure your glucose levels with customized testing kits that contain glucose meters or monitors.
Testing Basics
In addition to glucose meters or monitors, home glucose testing kits include testing strips and tiny needles also known as lancets, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine's Medline Plus. They also include a logbook that allows you to record the results of your tests. Glucose testing strips are coated with a special substance that reveals the glucose content of small samples of blood. You obtain these samples by pricking your finger with a lancet and depositing the resulting blood drop on the testing strip. After gathering a sample, place your testing strip inside a meter or monitor, which translates the chemical reactions on the strip into a number that indicates your current glucose level.
Testing Variations
Some meters accept blood samples from areas of your body other than your finger, including your thighs, forearms and fleshier parts of your hand, according to the American Diabetes Association. Drawing blood from these areas may reduce the discomfort frequently associated with regular pricking of your finger. Some kits also contain spring-loaded lancets that may further reduce your discomfort during testing. Different types of meters work in slightly different manners, and require differing amounts of blood for proper testing. Consult your doctor and read any included instructions to gain a thorough understanding of your particular metering kit.
Results
If you measure your glucose levels before eating, they should normally fall between 70 and 130 milligrams per deciliter of blood, Medline Plus reports. If you take a measurement after eating, your results should optimally fall below 180 mg/dL. If your levels fall below normal, you may need to eat something. If they are too high, you may need to increase your insulin intake. Factors that may affect your testing results include your insulin usage patterns, level of physical activity and meal contents. Talk to your doctor about the details of your testing results.
Additional Benefits
By writing down your blood glucose testing results, you can begin to gain perspective on the different factors that affect your glucose levels, Medline Plus explains. Examples of these factors include the blood glucose impacts of various foods in your diet and the beneficial glucose-related effects of regular exercise. You can also learn how to properly plan your activities and meals, as well as optimize the times of day you take any diabetes medications.
Considerations
People sometimes react negatively to a poor glucose testing result, the American Diabetes Association notes. Instead of taking this viewpoint, try to see your results in the long-term context of your health and opportunities for change. You can also measure blood glucose in your urine, but the results are inferior to those gained from blood testing.
