5 Reasons To Check Your Blood Sugar Levels
Blood sugar monitoring is an integral part of diabetic care. The goal for most diabetics is to have a fasting sugar level that ranges between 100-140mg/dl, so patients must take and record blood sugar measurements. Here is why:
- Blood Sugar Levels are an Excellent Source of Data to Monitor Management of Diabetes
Blood sugar monitoring is an excellent way to evaluate the treatment and see if changes need to be made. Patients need to know what their numbers are and how they are progressing. Blood sugar testing provides the most objective data on both of these factors. It is also suitable for patients to be aware of what the numbers mean, as it can help them make better decisions about their care.
- It Provides Data to Help Prevent Complications of Diabetes
Diabetes can lead to heart disease, stroke, nerve damage, and kidney disease complications. Monitoring blood sugar levels helps people with diabetes keep track of their condition. The numbers help people with diabetes determine if they need medications or lifestyle changes that could prevent complications from occurring. For example, if a person has diabetes and takes medication regularly, the drug may not work correctly if the person’s blood sugar levels are too high or too low
- It Provides Data to Help Prevent Other Health Problems
Diabetes can lead to other health problems such as heart disease and stroke. Monitoring blood sugar levels helps people with diabetes determine if they are at risk of these conditions. Some doctors recommend that all people with diabetes get routine blood tests done every year or two to check for signs of cardiovascular disease and other health problems associated with diabetes. If there are any signs, the person should be treated right away. Without regular monitoring, patients may not receive the proper treatment on time, leading to serious health problems. Also, keep yourself updated with the latest information on monitoring your sugar levels on Tandem Diabetes’s website.
- Helps to Detect Hypoglycemia
A person who has diabetes will experience a condition called hypoglycemia. This is when blood sugar levels drop too low, which can be dangerous because it can cause the person to become disoriented, confused, or unconscious. Hypoglycemia can happen if the person is not properly managing their diabetes medications or their blood sugar levels are too low. Blood glucose meters can help detect hypoglycemia quickly to not lead to severe complications.
- It Provides Personalization for Each Diabetic
A blood glucose meter lets each diabetic monitor their blood sugar levels. These readings determine if they need to change their medications or adjust their diet to help prevent health complications. Blood glucose meters have built-in memory capabilities to keep track of each individual’s measurements over time. This allows a medical professional to see how a patient’s blood glucose levels change over time and whether any changes may indicate that the patient is having a health problem.
- It Can Monitor Blood Sugar Levels While on Diet and Exercise
Many people do not realize that diet and exercise can significantly impact blood sugar levels. For example, a blood glucose meter can monitor the blood sugar levels of each person with diabetes while they are on their diet and exercise program to help prevent hypoglycemia from occurring. This can also help the person with diabetes to determine if they need to adjust their diet or exercise program because of changes in their blood sugar levels or if they need to adjust their medications or insulin doses.
