If you have diabetes, it is very important to keep blood sugar levels in your target range. By checking your glucose (sugar) several times a day, you will begin to see patterns related to your daily routines. This information will help you to manage your diabetes better.
Your Ohio State doctor may do a blood test called an A1C. It checks your average blood sugar level over the past three months. If your blood sugar is too high, you may need to take medicines and follow a special diet.
If you have type 1 diabetes, you should test your blood sugar frequently to safely manage your levels – perhaps four to seven times a day. This will depend on your daily number of insulin injections, whether you use an insulin pump or whether you are pregnant. Your Ohio State doctor will help you determine an appropriate glucose monitoring program.
During illness or high stress, blood sugar levels in people with type 1 diabetes can rise to dangerous levels. When that happens, acids (called ketones) can form in the body. If untreated, these can lead to serious problems including diabetic coma. Urine tests can detect high ketone levels that are usually accompanied by nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. If you experience these symptoms, do a urine test. If you do have moderate to large ketones, call your doctor’s office immediately.
Type 2 DiabetesIf you have type 2 diabetes, how often you test your blood sugar levels depends on your A1C levels and whether you’re treating your diabetes through diet, medication or insulin. Your Ohio State doctor can help you determine how often you should test.