Blood Glucose Monitoring: Overview, Preparation, Procedure, Recovery, Risks, and Aftercare
Overview
It is crucial to monitor blood glucose levels if you have diabetes, a chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels. In order to prevent complications like nerve damage, kidney disease, and cardiovascular problems, people with diabetes need to monitor their blood glucose levels regularly. During this procedure, a blood glucose meter or continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device is used to measure the blood glucose concentration.
Preparation
Blood glucose monitoring typically involves the following steps:
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Make sure you have all the supplies you need, including a blood glucose meter or CGM device, lancets, test strips, alcohol swabs, and a logbook or mobile app to keep track of your readings.
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Reading the instruction manual, watching instructional videos, or attending a training session with a healthcare provider will help you learn how to use your blood glucose monitoring device properly.
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Identify target blood sugar ranges for fasting, before meals, after meals, and at bedtime based on your health status and treatment plan.
Procedure
Depending on the method selected, blood glucose monitoring can take the following forms:
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To perform a fingerstick blood glucose test, clean your finger with an alcohol swab, prick your fingertip with a lancet, apply a drop of blood to a test strip, and insert the strip into the blood glucose meter.
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In Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM), a small sensor is worn under the skin, which continuously measures glucose levels in the interstitial fluid. A receiver or smartphone app receives real-time glucose readings, allowing continuous monitoring during the day and night.
Recovery
Once you have obtained a blood glucose reading, you can resume your normal activities immediately.
Risks
There are some potential risks and considerations to be aware of when monitoring blood glucose:
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To minimize the risk of infection, follow proper hygiene practices when using lancets and cleaning testing sites.
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Frequent fingerstick testing can cause bruising, soreness, or calluses at the testing site. Rotate the fingerstick site regularly to avoid discomfort and tissue damage.
Aftercare
Taking appropriate action based on your blood glucose monitoring results is essential:
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A high or low reading may require adjustments to your diet, medication, or activity level based on your target ranges and treatment plan.
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Keep a logbook or mobile app of your blood glucose readings to track trends over time and share with your healthcare provider.
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If you experience consistently high or low blood sugar levels, unusual symptoms, or difficulty managing your diabetes despite following your treatment plan, contact your healthcare provider.
It is possible to reduce the risk of complications associated with diabetes by regularly monitoring your blood glucose levels and taking proactive steps to manage your diabetes.
