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What the Meter Does
Why You Need to Test
If you have diabetes, your blood glucose levels may be higher than your friends and family. Your body makes glucose from the sugary and starchy foods that you eat, but the levels are also affected by other things, such as activity, extremes of weather and illness. If you have diabetes, your body cannot use the glucose properly, so you have to control your glucose levels through a mixture of a healthy diet, regular activity and medication such as insulin.
What is blood glucose testing?
To find out how well you are managing your diabetes, you will need to know what your blood glucose levels are. Your nurse will help you understand how to keep your blood glucose as near to normal as possible by being careful about what you eat and by doing an appropriate amount of exercise. Your nurse will also work with you to make sure you are giving your body the right amount of insulin.
How can I test my blood glucose?
Your nurse will show you how to test your blood glucose at home, using a meter such as the CONTOUR or BREEZE 2. Don’t worry, it’s very easy to do.
Why do I need to test my blood glucose?
If you test your blood glucose regularly, and make a note of the results in your Glucolog record diary, you can see how well you are managing your diabetes. Your nurse will help you learn how to understand what your results mean and what you need to do differently if your results aren’t quite right. Soon you’ll be an expert at managing your diabetes!
And, when you go to see your nurse for a check-up, you can take your diary with you so you can talk about how well you are doing and find out how you can stay healthy.
How often do I need to test?
Your nurse will tell you when it’s best to test your blood glucose. You’ll probably have to test several times a day, but you’ll be able to fit this in with your normal mealtimes and activities. Most meters give a result in 5 seconds, so it won’t take much time at all. Sometimes you may have to test more often, e.g. when you are ill, or if you are much busier than usual.
Target levels
Your nurse will help you understand the best glucose range for you. You can use your Glucolog to keep a track of your results when you have done your tests.
Top Tips
Here are some great tips to make testing easier.
If you have a top tip you’d like to share with other readers, send it to us and your tip could appear on this website!
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your meter
- Always wash and dry your hands before you test
- Use the sides of your fingertips – it will hurt less than if you use the pads of your fingers!
- Record each result in your Glucolog so you and your nurse can see how well you are doing
- Download WinGlucofacts results analysis software – let your computer calculate your averages and trends for you!
