Test your blood glucose

There are two different tests to measure your blood glucose. The A1C test reflects your average blood glucose level over the last three months. It is the best way to know your overall blood glucose control during this period of time. The blood glucose test you do yourself uses a drop of blood and a meter that measures the level of glucose in your blood at the time you do the test. This is called self monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG).You and your health care team need to use both the A1C and SMBG tests to get a complete picture of your blood glucose control.

How often should I test my blood glucose level?

Your doctor or nurse educator will recommend how often you should test. Testing times are based on the kind of medicine you take and on how well your blood glucose levels are controlled. You'll probably need to check your blood glucose more often at first. You'll also check it more often when you feel sick or stressed, when you change your medicine or if you're pregnant.

What time of day should I test?

Recommendations for the best time of day to test your blood glucose depend on your medicine, mealtimes and blood glucose control. Always follow your doctor or nurse educator‚s testing recommendations.

Check your blood glucose if:

• You have symptoms of low blood glucose (hypoglycaemia),which include dizziness, shaking, sweating, chills and confusion;
  
• You have symptoms of high blood glucose (hyperglycaemia),which include sleepiness, blurry vision, frequent urination and excessive thirst;
  
• You need to learn how meals, physical activity and medicine affect your blood glucose level;
  
• You have a job in which poor blood glucose control could cause safety problems;
  
• You need help deciding if it is safe to drive or perform other tasks that require concentration if you are taking insulin or have had hypoglycaemia in the past;
  
• Before going to bed at night if you are prone to night-time hypoglycaemia.

Reasons to check your blood sugar more frequently:

• If your diabetes medicine changes;
  
• If you begin taking other kinds of medicines;
  
• If you change your diet;
  
• If your exercise routine or activity level changes;
  
• If your level of stress increases;
  
• If you are sick. When you are sick, even without eating, your glucose levels may run high, so testing is important.

Coping with exercise lows

Keeping your blood glucose levels under control when exercising is possible. Low blood glucose (hypoglycaemia) and high blood glucose (hyperglycaemia) are the most significant potential risks associated with diabetes during exercise. The ability to control your blood glucose precisely, even in your everyday life, is dependent on a myriad of factors. Among the most important are the amount and type of insulin or oral medications taken to lower blood glucose, the number of calories you've consumed, the composition of such calories (for example, are they derived form carbohydrates, fats, or proteins?), and the amount of physical activity and stress encountered during your daily routine.

Throwing exercise into the equation, however, requires us to consider additional factors. The type and duration of physical activity performed, the intensity of the workout, and timing of the insulin dose can each profoundly influence blood glucose levels. Your pre-exercise blood glucose levels, degree of physical fitness, and age also influence your blood glucose levels during exercise. Doing it right Although most people with diabetes can exercise safely, exercise involves some risks. To shift the benefit-to-risk ration in your favour, take these precautions ˆ Have a medical examination before you begin your exercise program including an exercise test with EKG monitoring, especially if you have cardiovascular disease, you are over 40, you have high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol levels, or you have a family history of heart disease.

Discuss with your doctor any unusual symptoms that you experience during or after exercise such as discomfort in your chest, neck, jaw, or arms; nausea, dizziness, or excessive shortness of breath. Learn how to prevent and treat low blood glucose levels. If you take oral agents or insulin, monitor your blood glucose levels before, during, and after strenuous exercise. If you have type 1 diabetes and your levels are high, check for ketones. Don't exercise if ketones are present, because exercise will increase your risk of ketoacidosis and coma.

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For more information contact Diabetes South Africa on +27 (0) 11 886 3765 or go to www.diabetessa.co.za.