Self-help is the best help: Self-monitoring the blood sugar levels

Self monitoring of the blood glucose levels is a crucial aspect of the management plan for diabetes. It ensures active participation of the patient. Regular monitoring helps the patient to keep in touch with the reality and severity of his disease, thereby ensuring he doesn’t become complacent.

Self monitoring of blood glucose levels remains the cornerstone of diabetes self-care and management.

Significance of self monitoring of blood glucose:

1. It helps you to judge for yourself how well you are reaching treatment goals.
2. It helps you understand how the sugar levels are affected by what you eat, giving you an idea on what to avoid.
3. It shows you practically how the sugar levels vary before and after exercise.
4. It can be used to see the effects of your medication.
5. Regular monitoring also lets you know when the sugar levels are dangerously high or low.

When should you test your blood sugar?

1. If you suffer from type I diabetes, you may be advised to check your sugar levels 3 to 4 times a day. Before and after a meal, before and after exercising, first thing in the morning and just before you go to bed.
2. In case of type II diabetes, if you are on insulin, you need to check the blood sugar levels immediately after you wake up in the morning and 2 hours after you eat your meals. If you do not take insulin, you may not need to check it daily.

How to test blood sugar levels at home?

For this purpose, you will require an electronic device called Glucometer. Your doctor will recommend a suitable device for you. The device has a tiny needle with which you will have to prick yourself slightly. The drop of blood that oozes out has to be placed on the strip of paper provided. The meter shows the reading, which is the level of sugar in your blood.

The Process:

1. Wash your hands with soap and dry them well.
2. Remove a strip from the container and place it into the meter.
3. Prick your finger with the needle provided. Take care to prick the side, so that you don’t injure the most frequently used part.
4. If there is no blood oozing, gently massage the finger till a little blood comes out.
5. Place this drop of blood on the test strip. Take care not to touch your skin to it.
6. The meter will display on its screen the level of sugar in your blood.
7. Note down the reading in your diary or logbook without fail.

Self monitoring is a simple and effective way of managing diabetes in the right method.