You directly affect your glucose or sugar levels when you eat. As glucose is absorbed from the small intestine into the bloodstream, beta islet cells in the pancreas secrete a hormone called insulin. This hormone transports glucose into the muscles and tissues where it is converted to energy for fuel. As blood glucose levels fall, insulin production subsides. Diabetes is a chronic disorder in which the pancreas does not secrete enough insulin or the body does not respond effectively to it. This can cause high blood glucose levels, excess insulin production and other symptoms. Monitoring and balancing blood glucose levels is very important for individuals with diabetes and other insulin imbalances.
Step 1
Discuss the best options for monitoring your blood glucose levels with your doctor. Checking blood sugar levels several times a day is vital for effective diabetes care. It will help you assess how foods, physical activity, sleep and stress affect your glucose level and how to better balance it. Maintaining blood glucose levels can help to prevent or delay complications from diabetes including vision loss, blindness, heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, skin ulcers and limb amputation.
Step 2
Purchase a blood glucose meter. Your primary doctor can recommend a good type to use on a daily basis. Also obtain glucose test strips, finger lancets and alcohol pads. Read the directions on the glucose meter carefully. If you do not understand something or have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Store these supplies in a safe area and always ensure that you have enough for several days.
Step 3
Wash and dry your hands thoroughly. Cleanse your finger with a sterile alcohol pad. Using the lancet poke your finger so that you draw a tiny drop of blood. You can also use your thigh or forearm. Place the drop of blood directly onto the test strip. Place the test strip into the meter as directed in the instructions.
Step 4
Read your blood sugar result on the meter screen. Record your blood sugar levels in a daily log book as well as the time you ate, which foods you ate and when you took your diabetes medications or insulin. Adults with diabetes should have blood glucose range of 70 to 130 mg/dL before eating and over 180 mg/dL after eating.
Step 5
Visit your doctor for your monthly follow-up appointment. Take your blood glucose monitoring log book and inform him of any changes in your health. Your doctor can determine whether your glucose control is healthy for you. He may make changes to your medications or recommend nutrition counseling for a diabetic diet plan.
Tips and Warnings
- Another hormone called glucagon is secreted by the alpha cells of the pancreas to balance the actions of insulin. Glucagon is secreted when blood glucose levels are low and primarily affects the liver to release glucose from stored glycogen. Other effects of insulin include changing the amount of glucose that is formed from stored glycogen, increasing glucose absorpbtion by the cells, increasing catabolism or production of glucose and increasing the production of fat.
- Blood glucose control is very important and treatment and methods are tailored to one individual. The medications and diet that work for someone else may not work for you. Carefully monitor your food intake, exercise levels and medications to assess their effect on your glucose levels. Taking excess diabetes medications or insulin can cause hypoglycemia or excessively low levels of blood glucose, which can lead to coma and even death. Follow your doctor's treatment guidelines exactly as prescribed and do not miss regular follow-up appointments.
Things You'll Need
- Blood glucose meter
- Blood glucose test strips
- Sterile alcohol pads
- Lancet
