SELF MONITORING OF BLOOD GLUCOSE
TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR DIABETES
SMBG (Self Monitoring of Blood Glucose) a vital step in the management of diabetes.
SMBG is done to:
- Determine the blood sugar value (Hyperglycaemia, Hypoglycaemia)
- Determine the effect of daily activities and meals on blood glucose.
- Assist in decision making regarding food choices and activities.
- Indicate the effectiveness of therapy and assists to make changes in treatment.
TARGET BLOOD GLUCOSE LEVELS
HbA1C |
Pre -Meal |
2 hrs Post Meal |
<7% |
90-130mg/dl |
<180mg/dl |
|
- The target may differ from person to person.
- The targets indicated here should be considered as general guidelines only.
MONITORING TIPS
Always follow the instructions from the user manual to get correct readings.
Program your meter each time you start a new batch of test strips, the code of the test strips box should match the code of the meter.
MONITORING STEPS:
- Wash hands with warm water and wipe it dry.
- Hold your hands below your waist and shake them slightly to improve blood flow to finger.
- The finger is gently milked from the base to the tip of the finger.
- Set the gauge number according to the thickness of the skin.
- Place the lancing device on the side of the finger, not too close to the finger nail, pressing firmly against the finger.
- Apply the blood drop on the test strip, and clean the finger with the alcohol swab.
- Use a new lancet each time you lance your finger.
WHEN TO TEST BLOOD GLUCOSE?
Testing patterns are individualized and depend on the type of diabetes and the treatment plan of the patient. Please follow as advised by the doctor.
However, the standardised testing times are:
- Fasting
- Pre meal
- Post meal [2 hrs after meal]
- At bed time[10pm]
- 3am
WHEN TO DO EXTRA BLOOD GLUCOSE TEST?
- During acute illness: diarrhoea, fever, cold and cough, vomiting etc
- Change in usual exercise and meal plan
- On starting a new medication/insulin
- Unusual stress
- On holiday or while travelling
- During pregnancy
AYWAYS GET THE SUGAR MINITORING LOG BOOK WHEN VISITING.
NOTE: Inform sugar when less than 70mg/dl and more than 300mg/dl.
Frequent testing is one of the best safeguards for better health with diabetes.
You have the right to live a healthy life. You’re worth it. |
