How to interpret your blood sugar readings from a monitoring system
First things first, it's essential to understand the two types of diabetes:
1) Type 1 Diabetes - A condition where your body cannot produce insulin, which is needed to convert glucose into energy.
2) Type 2 Diabetes - A condition where your body becomes resistant to insulin or cannot produce enough insulin to regulate glucose levels.
Monitoring systems often come with a glucose meter that determines your blood sugar level via a test strip. Your test strip is inserted into your glucose meter, and a small sample of blood is placed on the strip. The glucose meter then measures your blood sugar level in mg/dl or mmol/L and displays it on the screen.
The first step in understanding your blood sugar readings is knowing the different levels to aim for:
1) Fasting Blood Glucose Levels - Before meals, aim for 80 to 130 mg/dl or 4.4 to 7.2 mmol/L.
2) Postprandial Blood Glucose Levels - After meals, aim for less than 180 mg/dl or 10.0 mmol/L.
Knowing your target levels is vital to get an idea of how healthy your blood sugar levels are. However, it's also essential to know the various factors that can influence your blood sugar readings—some factors that can affect your readings include:
1) Medications - Medications such as insulin can cause low blood sugar readings if administered early, not with food, or in excessive amounts.
2) Food and drink intake - Food and drink intake can increase blood sugar levels during digestion or absorption into the bloodstream.
3) Physical activity - Exercise can cause your body to use more glucose for energy, resulting in low blood sugar levels.
4) Stress - Stress can increase your blood sugar levels due to hormonal changes and the release of glucose into the bloodstream.
Now that you have the basics down, let's explore what your blood sugar readings could mean:
1) High Blood Sugar Readings - A high blood sugar level can indicate that your body is not producing enough insulin or that your body is insulin-resistant. High blood sugar levels over time can lead to complications such as kidney damage, nerve damage, and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it's essential to lower your blood sugar levels by adjusting your medications, diet, and lifestyle habits, such as regular exercise.
2) Low Blood Sugar Readings - A low blood sugar level, also known as hypoglycemia, can occur when you've taken too much insulin, skipped a meal, or exercised excessively. Hypoglycemia can cause symptoms such as shakiness, sweating, confusion, and even seizures. If your glucose meter reads low, consume a snack or drink containing carbohydrates to raise your blood sugar levels.
3) Fluctuating Blood Sugar Readings - Blood sugar levels can also fluctuate throughout the day, even if you're following your diabetes management plan. Fluctuating levels can occur due to factors such as missed medications, an inconsistent diet, or hormonal fluctuations. Talk to your healthcare provider if you notice patterns in your blood sugar fluctuations.
In conclusion, monitoring your blood sugar levels is crucial for managing your diabetes. Knowing your target levels, various factors that can affect your readings, and understanding what your readings mean is essential for avoiding complications and living a healthy life. Remember to always keep track of your readings and make adjustments to your plan with the help of a healthcare provider.