Diabetes: How to check your blood glucose level | NHS

Diabetes: How to Check Your Blood Glucose Level | NHS

Monitoring blood glucose levels is an essential part of managing diabetes. Maintaining optimal blood glucose levels can prevent complications and improve the quality of life. The NHS recommends regular checks to keep your diabetes in control. This guide will inform you on how to perform these checks effectively.

Why Check Blood Glucose Levels?

Regular monitoring helps you understand how food, exercise, and medication affect your glucose levels. By keeping track, you'll be able to make informed decisions about diet and exercise. This can greatly reduce the risk of complications such as cardiovascular disease, neuropathy, and retinopathy.

When to Check Blood Glucose Levels

The timing and frequency of glucose checks can vary based on your individual treatment plan. Generally, those with Type 1 diabetes may need to check their levels multiple times a day, while those with Type 2 diabetes might need less frequent checks. Common times to check include:

• Before meals
• After meals
• Before and after exercise
• Before bedtime
• When you feel unwell

Types of Blood Glucose Meters

There are various types of blood glucose meters available. The most common include:

• Standard blood glucose meters
• Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs)
• Flash glucose monitoring systems

Each type has its own advantages and specific instructions for use. It's important to choose a device that fits your lifestyle and is easy for you to use.

Steps to Check Your Blood Glucose Levels

1. Wash your hands thoroughly to ensure accurate readings.
2. Prepare your kit: Gather your meter, test strips, and a lancing device.
3. Insert a test strip into the meter.
4. Use the lancing device to prick the side of your fingertip to get a drop of blood.
5. Touch the edge of the test strip to the drop of blood and wait for the meter to process the reading.
6. Record your reading, including the time and date.

Interpreting Results

The NHS recommends the following target blood glucose levels for most adults with diabetes:

• Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/L
• After meals: less than 9 mmol/L

Your healthcare provider may provide a different target range tailored to your needs. If your readings are consistently outside your target range, consult your healthcare provider for advice on adjusting your management plan.

For more information and support, you can visit the NHS Diabetes page.