Digestion breaks down some of the food you eat into sugars that enter your blood. These sugars, called glucose, provide the energy and fuel for the cells of your body, explains the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse. In order for the glucose to reach the cells, your body must produce enough insulin. Without insulin, the glucose levels rise in your blood, and this condition, called diabetes, may result in slow, but serious, damage throughout your body. For some people, diet may help control blood sugar levels, but you may need oral medication or insulin injections. You must watch these glucose levels to determine if your current treatment regimen keeps your condition under control.
Step 1
Ask your health provider about your A1C results. Your doctor will typically order fasting blood tests once or twice a year, and this will include an A1C test. The results of this test will give your health provider information on your blood glucose over the previous two to three months, explains the American Diabetes Association. Your doctor will discuss the results with you, and if the test shows a high percentage, she will know your current treatment regimen has not controlled your blood sugar levels. She may recommend changing your treatment. An A1C test does not replace other methods of testing but will offer insight into the history of your blood glucose levels.
Step 2
Discuss your fasting blood sugar with your doctor. During regular blood tests, your doctor will also take a snapshot measurement of your glucose levels. For a fasting blood test, you will need to avoid food or drink at least eight hours before the test, explains MedlinePlus. Your doctor will use this information to determine how well your medications and diet control your glucose levels. If your health provider feels your fasting glucose test reads too high, she may make changes to your current plan.
Step 3
Monitor your blood sugar regularly. If you have a recent diagnosis of diabetes, you will want to use your home glucose monitor to check your levels periodically. Routine glucose checks will help you notice patterns. Begin by checking in the morning, before lunch or dinner and an hour or two after a meal. Your doctor may have specific times she would like you to test your blood sugar, explains MayoClinic.com. Make sure you write down all readings and take this information to your health provider. This will help her adjust your treatment or decide to have you continue your same regimen.
Tips and Warnings
- Each person will have a different target range for blood sugar readings. Ask your health provider what she believes is your ideal target glucose readings. This will help you with home measurements, as well as help you understand your fasting blood test results.
