Posts Tagged ‘Blood Glucose’
When to Check Blood Sugar
If you are wondering when should you test your blood sugar then you are in the right place!
A glucometer helps in measuring blood sugar for people who are living with diabetes. The important thing is to know when to measure blood sugar. A Continuous Glucose Meter also helps in measuring blood sugar. It does so every few minutes and it’s a type of sensor.
You may think about when to check your blood sugar! And whether it’s for those who suffer from diabetes only.
Let’s find out today.
Why Checking Blood Sugar Is Important
It’s vital that you know why it’s important to check your blood sugar. Not checking the blood sugar means, it can vary and thus may lead to complications of the heart, kidney, and even problems in the vision.
It doesn’t matter whether someone suffers from Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, checking the blood sugar level is important. It can help in keeping your health in check.
Lack of insulin, too many carbohydrates, certain medications, and a lot more can lead to rising in sugar levels. While too much insulin, too much physical activity, and other factors can also contribute to lower blood sugar levels.
The goal of checking the blood sugar levels is to keep the sugar levels in the blood in balance.
Constantly checking the blood sugar level may sound like a hassle but it’s important for the health of those who are suffering from diabetes. It’s also vital to be aware of your lifestyle and be mindful of your health.
When to Check Blood Sugar Level?
It’s vital to understand when it’s best to measure blood sugar levels. When you are aware of your blood sugar levels, it would give you a better understanding of how food affects your health.
Consider the following:
It’s best to measure the blood sugar level after taking the insulin. But it depends on whether the person needs to take the insulin or not. So, the best source of information and guidance here is the doctor.
Those with Type 1 diabetes would need to check before their breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They would also need to check two to three hours after their meals!
For those with Type 2 diabetes, it would depend on the condition and how well they are maintaining their health. So, the doctor would give the best information. But, it’s possible to check first thing in the morning before eating breakfast, two hours after they have a meal, and before bedtime also! It can be up to four times a day.
Each individual is unique so it’s vital that you understand what works for you and what doesn’t. A healthy and active lifestyle would always help. Eating a well-balanced diet is always ideal. Always consult your doctor when it comes to diabetes!
How to Measure Blood Sugar Level?
Now that you have some idea about the significance of measuring the blood sugar level, it’s vital that you also know how to measure it correctly.
Consider the following:
A blood sugar monitor can help in measuring the sugar level in the blood. You may know this device by the name of a glucometer. People using this device would need to prick their finger and test the sugar level in the small amount of blood.
It’s also possible to use a continuous glucose monitor that senses information from the fluids that are between your cells. It goes under the skin, but it’s worn on the belly or arm. It monitors and tells about the blood sugar, but it’s usually a prescription device.
The data would be on your smartphone or any smart device. You can share the data with your healthcare provider. The purpose of using such modern means of technology is to keep a close watch on your overall health. After all, your health matters a lot for everyone around you and also for yourself.
Friends and family members can help in measuring blood sugar levels. It’s also possible to do it yourself. You can ask your doctor to guide you more! It’s always best to let your doctor guide you.
When using any device for the first time, you can definitely ask someone to help you. Once you are used to it, it would be easier!
You can also follow the instructions that come with the device. It’s best to know how to use it and make the most of it. All such modern means of technology are here to make your life better and help you live a better and longer life. Your health matter to the world and to everyone who is around you.
Consult Your Doctor
Despite tons of information available online and video tutorials, it’s best to talk to your doctor or Endocrinologist about your health. Your best source of information is your doctor. Your doctor can suggest the medicine and would tell you what works best for your health! With an active lifestyle and managing your health based on the plan of your doctor, it would be easy to know more about your blood sugar levels.
Living with diabetes may sound hard, but there are many people around the world who are managing their lifestyles. Start by controlling your weight and make a plan with your doctor that works in your favor. Your doctor knows what’s best for your overall health so bear that in mind.
The good thing is that if Type 2 diabetes is well maintained then people would not need to check blood sugar levels that often, but when it’s still there so keeping an eye would be important.
Wrapping It Up
Knowing and understanding your blood sugar levels is essential for your well-being. When you know what affects your health, it would be easy for you to manage. A healthy lifestyle can help, but you need to discuss your health and overall situation with the doctor.
Controlling Diabetes with Diet
Controlling Diabetes with Diet – With a healthy diet and with regular exercise, diabetes can be controlled in a way that it won’t get any worse. Maintaining normal blood sugar levels can lessen the risk of having severe diabetes.
Controlling Diabetes with Diet, how? Here are a few general things you need to balance to have and maintain normal blood glucose levels:
- Taking prescribed medication for Diabetes
- Eating the right kind of food
- Doing regular exercise or any physical activity
Being able to manage these three basic things will definitely help achieve the optimal blood glucose levels.
What are Carbohydrates?
What is the role or what is the purpose of carbohydrates? Well, carbohydrates are the main source of energy for our body. About half of our daily calorie intake should have carbohydrates to have enough energy to get through the day.
What different food that are carbohydrates? These following carbohydrates break down into sugar in our blood:
- Bread
- Grains
- Starchy Veggies
- Fruits
- Dairy Products
- Sweets
Once the carbohydrates are broken down to sugar, the sugar gets stored and is as energy for the body. The presence of insulin is important in transporting the sugar to reach its designated storage area. Having too little insulin in the body will result in having high blood sugar levels. Controlling diabetes with diet is one of many ways to help reduce the risk of having severe diabetes.
Counting Carbohydrates? How does it work? Controlling Diabetes with Diet
Carb-counting (Carbohydrate counting) is the method of literally counting the amount of carbohydrates from the food or drinks you consume. Controlling diabetes with diet would include controlling how much carbohydrates you put in your body by distributing the amount evenly over your meals.
How do you know the amount of carbohydrates in your food or drink?
It is most probably listed on food labels at the back of the food packaging or it can be easily searched from the internet. It is better to read the labels including the serving size.
An example is 1 slice of toasted bread, with 1 teaspoon of peanutbutter, half of a regular sized banana, and 1 cup of regular milk is equivalent to three (3) carbohydrate servings or forty-five (45g) grams of carbs. (1 serving = 15 grams of carbohydrates)
Though google may provide a general idea of the amount of carbs in the food / drink you eat, having a registered dietitian by your side is definitely a bonus. A dietitian will help you with controlling diabetes with diet.
Are there Good and Bad carbohydrates?
The better carbs are those with a higher amount of fiber in them. Several research shows that getting right amounts of fiber regularly is beneficial for our health.
Fiber is a type of carbohydrate wherein fiber-rich foods will generally have more nutrients for the body. That explains why fiber is not in meat, fat and not even in dairy products. The following are examples of carbs with fiber are the following:
- Whole grain bread
- Whole grain cereals
- Whole grain pasta
- Brown Rice
- Barley
- Beans and Lentils
Fruits are also a great source of fiber. It is suggested that some fruits be eaten with their skin on. However, don’t forget to wash them. Fresh fruits and vegetables will always be better than canned ones. Less processed would mean more fiber.
What does Regular Exercise mean?
Controlling diabetes with diet would not only mean the regulation of food intake but also the amount of physical activity you do daily. With regular exercise (which would mean any physical activity such as dancing, home workouts, walking, gardening, etc), the following benefits will be achieved:
- Insulin Sensitivity Increases
- Promotes Healthy Bones
- Promotes healthy weight
- Improves Sleep
- Help lower blood glucose levels
It is always best to check with your doctor!
Controlling Diabetes with Diet
Blood Glucose Chart – Blood Sugar Levels for Adults
Blood Glucose Chart – Blood Sugar Levels for Adults
Blood Glucose Chart
Blood Sugar Levels for Adults With Diabetes
Be aware of changes in your body. There are common symptoms that cannot be ignored and would indicate that you have fluctuating blood sugar levels and should manage the same. Fatigue, sugar cravings, thirsty all the time, weight loss, mood swings, frequent infections, heavy breathing and trouble exercising are one of these signs that should not be taken for granted.
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