What is Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose?
Should I be doing this? If you have diabetes it’s very important that your blood sugar stays within your target range. There are two main ways that you know what your blood glucose (sugar) level is: 1. by monitoring your levels yourself with a blood glucose meter and 2. having your blood glucose A1C tested in a lab.
By monitoring your blood glucose yourself, you’re able to make changes to your food and/or exercise if you have a test result that is too low or high. Making these small changes will help you stay on target, feel better about your diabetes, and it can also lower your risk of developing health problems over time. The best way to determine how often you should check your blood sugar levels with a monitor is to work with a member of your diabetes healthcare team to identify a testing pattern that would work for you.
SMBG is a valuable tool for you to manage your diabetes.
YOUR Target Range
Visit your doctor or Diabetes Educator (a DE is a nurse, dietitian, or pharmacist with special training in diabetes) to find out what your blood glucose target ranges are.
It can be frustrating if your blood glucose results are outside of your range, but if you speak to your Diabetes Educator or doctor they can help you make changes lifestyle and/or medication changes to get your blood glucose on target.
Your personal SMBG schedule is unique.
Visit your nearest Diabetes Education Centre to talk to a diabetes educator. (You may need a referral from your doctor.)
Understand the lows and highs of blood glucose.