How often do I need to check my blood sugar level?
As a patient, you have the right to discuss thoroughly your condition with your doctor especially if it requires everyday treatment or intervention. For those diagnosed with diabetes, here are some of the most commonly asked questions.
Question: How often do I need to check my blood sugar level?
Answer:
If you are asking about the frequency of checking your blood glucose at home, it would depend on the situation. If your blood sugar is well controlled, then you just need to check it at least once a week before and after meals. If it is not well controlled and you are under insulin treatment, you need to check it more often so that the doctor can tell you if there will be changes with insulin dosage.
Question: How do I know if my blood sugar level is too low?
Answer:
Patients usually experience tremors, anxiety, excessive sweating, palpitations and blurred visions. However, these symptoms may be absent to patients with long-term diabetes but rather might have unconsciousness and sudden convulsions. If any of these happens, make sure to give initial doses of sugar like honey, candies or any sweet beverage. This will help in giving relief and do not forget to update the doctor for scenarios like this. Possible causes like high insulin dose, excessive activities, delayed or missed meals must also be considered to avoid experiencing hypoglycemia again.
Read related scholarly resources:
1) Checking Your Blood Glucose
