Diabetes readings are vital to take when people are suffering from Diabetes Mellitus, whether they have type 1 or type 2. Most Diabetics test their levels of blood glucose frequently throughout the day to ensure that the level is not too high or too low. Entering either state can be detrimental to an individual with Diabetes and can be immediately life threatening as well as cause extensive damage over time. To prevent complications like kidney, heart, and eye disease, Diabetics should try to keep a blood sugar range as close to normal as possible. In addition, types 1 Diabetics are prone to Ketoacidosis, which can occur rapidly if blood sugars are not properly maintained and can be fatal.
Diabetes readings can be taken in two ways. The first method is conducted at a doctor’s office and is taken via a blood sample. The doctor will send the blood sample to a lab, where technicians will perform a series of tests. They will check the blood glucose levels over the last three months, as well as the hemoglobin levels. Sometimes, a doctor will also order a ratio of insulin to glucose test.
The second way to test is home testing methods. Individuals can test his or her blood glucose levels in a variety of ways. The most traditional mode is to stick a finger, smear the blood on a stick, and test the stick with a meter. The meter machine will produce a reading with the blood glucose level and sometimes, a hemoglobin reading, which may not be accurate.
Diabetes Glucose Readings
Diabetes glucose readings are useless if the person testing does not know how to interpret the results. Below are the ranges that are considered normal for different times and activities throughout the day for a person with Diabetes. For instance, an individual who tests upon waking will be breaking a fast, which will produce a lower reading. Testing before meals should produce a reading of 70-130 mg/dL, while testing after meals should produce a reading of less than 180 mg/dL. Hemoglobin A1c (H1A1c) readings should be less than 7% and are as follows: 124mg/dL = 6.3%, 147mg/dL = 7%, 180mg/dL = 8, 214mg/dL = 9%, 247mg/dL = 10%, 280mg/dL = 11%.
Diabetes glucose readingsshould be recorded in a journal or a log, so the person can reflect on the numbers and have a record to show the doctor. Having similar numbers over a few days’ time will signal a steady control, while overt highs or lows may signal that the treatment plan may need to be modified. It is important not to ignore these numbers, especially if abnormal numbers occur more than twice per week.
Diabetes Blood Sugar Readings
Diabetes blood sugar readings are vital to the health and wellness of anyone who has Diabetes or fears they may develop it. Utilizing aDiabetes readings chartwill enable anyone who wants to record their numbers as a means to monitor their levels over weeks and months. Samples of these charts can be found online by doing a search or by visiting reputable sites such as the American Diabetes Association.
