HealthcareWhat, How, Why: Blood Glucose Monitoring For Diabetes Care

Diabetes is a condition that results from excess sugar levels in the body. Usually, when food is consumed, it’s broken down by enzymes like maltase into glucose. Once this is done, this component is then discharged into the bloodstream. Upon release, it’s then absorbed by cells with the help of a hormone called insulin. In the cells, this sugar acts as an energy source to perform various functions. In cases where the glucose levels are high in the body, insulin will help regulate them and signal the liver to store any amount that’s in excess.

For an individual with diabetes, their bodies may either not be able to utilize the insulin available efficiently or may not be able to produce sufficient amount of the compound. As a result, excess glucose is left in the bloodstream, which after a while, could cause weight gain, diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart disease.

Experts are yet to find a cure for diabetes. However, there are medications used to manage the condition. That being so, patients may also lower blood sugar levels naturally to manage this illness. Some ways to do this are eating healthy meals, exercising, and drinking a lot of water.

Today, various companies have developed applications like Signos and other software to help you lose weight and monitor your blood sugar levels. You could utilize this as they may help with diabetes.

What Is Blood Sugar Monitoring in Diabetes Management?

Blood sugar monitoring means regular observation of one’s glucose levels. For diabetes patients, this helps to observe how the sugar levels shift over time throughout the day or night. As a result, this could help individuals make informed decisions on treatment.

The number of times one should check their blood glucose levels varies depending on the type of diabetes you have and the medications administered to you. Additionally, this may also rely on what your doctor advises you. For instance, a type one diabetes patient may be required to test their glucose levels four to 10 times a day. Often, this may be before snacks, meals, bedtime, and sometimes in the middle of the night, among other times.

On the other hand, type 2 diabetes patients who use insulin may need to take tests frequently in a day. This will, however, rely on the amount and kind of insulin you take. If one takes several shots of this treatment every day, then checking glucose levels is required during bedtime and before meals. For those who use intermediate insulin testing, monitoring may only be necessary before dinner and breakfast. However, individuals managing type 2 diabetes with non-insulin medications, exercise, or diets may not require daily blood glucose tracking.

How Do Diabetes Patients Monitor Their Blood Sugar Levels?

Checking one’s blood sugar levels is done using a glucometer. This equipment is used to determine the amount of glucose in a small portion of blood. Usually, patients prick a fingertip, then place the tip on a replaceable test strip to allow the tool to measure the quantity of sugar in their bodies.

Besides a glucometer, various technologies have evolved that help in the management of diabetes. Therefore, besides having a glucose meter, you may need other tools that help control your blood sugar levels.

One common device is the continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) equipment. This FDA-approved instrument helps one to track their sugar levels maximumly. Usually, it collects data on your glucose levels each five to 15 minutes throughout the day or night. A CGM may be pretty valuable for diabetes patients. It could help you and your physician detect your sugar variations, enabling you two to understand your diabetes. As a result, this could help your doctor find suitable means for efficient diabetes management.

Benefits Of Blood Sugar Monitoring

Since a cure for this condition is yet to be found, experts have identified various ways to manage this disease. One could take medication or use natural ways to control it. That being so, these may only be effective if one monitors their blood sugar levels.

Some of the reasons why diabetes patients should regularly observe their glucose quantities may include:

• It Could Help Lower the Risk of Progression

Over time research has revealed that regular monitoring may be quite effective in diabetes management. This practice could help in tracking your progress and help you reach your target range. As a result, this could help lower the danger of disease progression.

• It Could Lower the Risk of Accidents

Diabetes patients often experience variations in blood sugar levels. In case the glucose is lower in the body, this may cause them to pass out. Therefore, if one is driving or operating heavy machinery, they could cause accidents.

On the other hand, hyperglycemia could cause numbness or tingles in one’s hands and feet, low concentration, and drowsiness, which is equally dangerous. Monitoring your glucose levels could help avoid any mishaps resulting from these symptoms.

• Could Help Your Physician Find an Effective Meal Plan and Medication

Observing one’s blood glucose quantities may help identify the effects of various food and medicines on your sugar levels. As a result, your physician can be better positioned to prepare a meal plan and identify medications that could be suitable for you.

Conclusion

Diabetes is a condition caused by excess glucose in the bloodstream. A cure for this illness disease is yet to be identified. However, experts have found various ways that could help to manage it. One such means is by monitoring your glucose levels. This is made possible by tools like a glucometer, a CGM, and others.

Observing the sugar quantities in your body can be quite beneficial. It could help prevent disease progression and lower the risk of accidents due to the effects of fluctuating sugar levels in your body. Additionally, this could also help identify what foods and medications are suitable for you.