Why is this procedure done?
Blood glucose monitoring is a way to check the levels of sugar in your blood, especially if you have diabetes. It is also called blood sugar monitoring. This procedure uses a device called a glucometer to measure the sugar level. The goal is to keep your blood sugar levels close to normal. This can help you avoid complications. ‚
You can keep a diary with the time of day and your blood sugar readings. Your blood sugar levels go up and down throughout the day. By checking your blood sugar level, you can see how diet, exercise, and drug treatment may change blood sugar. With regular blood sugar monitoring, your doctor can see how well you are doing with keeping your blood sugar levels normal. ‚
Your doctor will tell you what times of day to test your blood sugar. Common times are when you first wake-up but before eating, before other meals, 1 to 2 hours after a meal, or at bedtime. ‚
You should also check your blood sugar if you have: ‚
- Signs of low blood sugar, including dizziness, shaking, seating, or confusion
- Signs of high blood sugar, including sleepiness, blurred eyesight, pass urine often, or unusual hunger or thirst
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What will the results be?
You will learn what your blood sugar level is. Ask your doctor what are normal blood sugar levels for you. This most often depends on time of day and how recently you have eaten. The results will help you decide what you need to do. If your blood sugar level is: ‚
- Low, you may need to take glucose or have something to eat to bring your blood sugar back up to normal. You may need to call your doctor and lower your drug dosage. Talk to your doctor or diabetes educator so you know what to do before you have a low blood sugar level.
- High, you may need to take a drug or adjust the dosage to help bring the sugar level down. Also, review each number to see how food, activity, stress, and drugs have affected it. Talk to your doctor or a diabetes educator about your results.
- Normal, you may continue with your regular actions.
What happens before the procedure?
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Use an alcohol pad to clean the finger you are going to stick.
- Pat your finger dry.
What happens during the procedure?
- Stick the side of your clean fingertip with a fresh small needle or lancet. You will feel a sharp stick and a little discomfort.
- Some lancets work by themselves. You do not need to stick yourself.
- Get a drop of blood. You may have to squeeze your finger to get the drop.
- Touch the edge of the test strip to the drop of blood. Put it into the meter and wait for the result. Read your meters directions for use. It may be a little different from these directions.
- The meter will show the result of your blood sugar levels.
- Throw the needle or lancet away in a special sharps container.
What happens after the procedure?
- Stop the bleeding after you get your sample. Put a small amount of pressure on your finger.
- Record your sugar result in your diary with the date and time. You may wish to include a note about what you ate and when, when you took your drugs, how active you have been, or any illness you have.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Share your blood sugar results with your doctor. Your doctor may want to adjust your drug treatment based on the results. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Infection
- Small amount of bleeding
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of low blood sugar. These include anger, shaking, a fast heartbeat, confusion, or sweating. Keep hard candies, glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or juice on hand for low blood sugar.
- Signs of high blood sugar. These include sleepiness, blurry eyesight, passing urine more often, increased thirst, breath has a fruity sweet smell, upset stomach and throwing up, dizziness, or passing out.
- If your blood sugars are running higher or lower than is usual for you. Your doctor may want to change your drugs or dosages.
Where can I learn more?
American Diabetes Association ‚
http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/treatment-and-care/blood-glucose-control/checking-your-blood-glucose.html ‚
FamilyDoctor.org ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/diabetes/treatment/monitoring-your-blood-sugar-level.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚