Self-Monitoring Your Blood Glucose: A Key to Diabetes Management

What is Self-Monitoring?

Self-monitoring helps you track blood glucose levels to understand your trends. It involves testing your glucose multiple times per day or week based on your needs. Most people begin by testing:

• Fasting glucose (when you wake up)
• Before meals
• Before bed

For insulin users, it's helpful to also check after eating to see how your insulin regimen is working.

Why Self-Monitoring is Key

Self-monitoring offers several benefits:

• Builds an individualized glucose profile: Helps you and your healthcare team manage care effectively.
• Improves decision-making: Provides data to guide lifestyle choices (nutrition, exercise, insulin).
• Tracks trends: Identifies when blood sugar tends to rise or fall.
• Increases awareness: Enhances your understanding of lifestyle impacts on glucose levels.
• Prevents complications: Good control reduces the risk of long-term diabetes complications.

Steps for Effective Self-Monitoring

• Obtain a Blood Sample: Use a lancet device for a small blood sample. You can reduce discomfort with a DigiVibe device, which uses vibrations to numb the area.
• Test Your Blood: Apply the blood sample to a test strip and insert it into the glucose meter to get your reading.
• Log Results: Record your results manually or store them electronically for tracking.

Guidelines for Accurate Testing

• Wash your hands: Clean thoroughly with soap and water before testing.
• Use sterile equipment: Always use new test strips and lancets to avoid contamination.
• Check instructions: Understand how your glucose meter works for accurate readings.
• Test in the right spot: Many find the sides of their fingers are the least painful. Rotate testing sites to reduce discomfort.
• Store equipment properly: Keep your meter and supplies in a cool, dry place.

The Importance of Regular Monitoring

Self-monitoring helps you identify patterns and adjust your lifestyle and treatment plan. It provides insight into how your diet, exercise, and insulin regimen affect your blood sugar levels, making it an essential tool for long-term diabetes management.