ACCU-CHEK is the brand name for one of many systems designed to monitor blood glucose levels in people with diabetes. Checking blood sugars helps you monitor how well you are controlling your diabetes, a very important task since diabetic complications increase when blood sugars are higher than they should be. Complications can also arise when blood sugars fall too low, a condition called hypoglycemia. When you see that your blood sugar isn't well controlled, making dietary changes can help keep blood sugar levels within the normal range.
Method
The ACCU-CHEK system, like other glucose monitoring systems, consists of several parts. The glucometer is the machine that reads your blood glucose level. By pricking your arm or finger with a lancet or a small needle inserted into a spring-loaded machine, you obtain a small drop of blood. Putting the blood on a small test strip that you insert into the machine allows the glucometer to measure the result. Your blood sugar is then displayed on the glucometer. If your level is too high or low, adjusting your food intake, along with possibly changing your medication dose, will help correct it.
Hypoglycemia
If your ACCU-CHEK reading is below normal, generally below 70 mg/dL, you need to consume food containing glucose immediately. While many people with hypoglycemia experience symptoms such as shakiness, hunger, weakness, slurred speech or tremors, some diabetics have hypoglycemia unawareness. Diabetics with hypoglycemia unawareness do not experience typical symptoms. If blood glucose falls too low, you may pass out. Coma and even death can occur from hypoglycemia. Carry hard candy or glucose tablets with you at all times to treat hypoglycemia.
Hyperglycemia
If your ACCU-CHEK reading is consistently too high, you need to assess your dietary intake. Carbohydrates raise blood glucose more quickly than fats or protein in the diet. Carbohydrates that have a high glycemic index, which means they break down quickly into glucose after being eaten, may raise your blood sugar faster and to higher levels than carbohydrates that break down more slowly. If you've eaten too many simple sugars, which absorb quickly, you may have higher than normal glucose readings after eating. Cutting back on simple sugars and increasing complex-carbohydrate intake, which includes whole grains, fruit and vegetable intake may help lower your readings. Very high glucose levels, in addition to fruity-smelling breath, nausea and vomiting, rapid respiration or loss of consciousness necessitate immediate medical attention.
Considerations
Both your normal range for fasting blood glucose and post-prandial, or after-meal blood glucose readings are determined by your medical practitioner. While the normal fasting range for diabetics is between 90 and 130 mg/dL, with less than 180 mg/dL the target goal one to two hours after eating, according to MayoClinic.com, your target levels for ACCU-CHEK readings may be different than someone else's. This is also true of your diet. Working with a dietitian to determine a diet that works well for you helps control your blood sugars. ACCU-CHEK is a tool that helps you assess whether your diet is working, and one that helps you make changes when necessary.
