Different Ways to Test Your Blood Sugar Level

Most diabetics should frequently check their blood sugar (or glucose) levels. Knowing the outcomes allows you to adapt your illness management plan. According to research, staying within your target blood sugar and HbA1c levels reduces the likelihood of problems in patients with type 1 or 2 diabetes.

Fremont, CA: A blood sugar test detects the amount of sugar (glucose) in your bloodstream. Most diabetics should periodically check their blood sugar levels. Knowing the outcomes allows you to adapt your disease-control strategy. There are several ways to administer the exam, including:

Glycometers

A glucose meter, often a glucometer, is a portable device that estimates blood sugar levels using a tiny blood sample. You may access your blood in many ways using different types of glucometers.

From the Fingertips

You pierce your finger with a small, sharp needle (a lancet) and place a drop of blood on a test strip. Next, you insert the test strip into a meter to determine your blood sugar level. You obtain findings in less than 15 seconds and may save the data for later use. Some meters may display charts and graphs of your previous test results and your average blood sugar level over time. Blood glucose meters and strips can be obtained from your local drugstore.

Meters that Test From Other Sites

Newer meters allow you to test areas other than your fingertip, including your upper arm, forearm, base of thumb, and thigh. You may obtain results that are different from those of your fingertip. Blood sugar levels in the fingers fluctuate more rapidly than at other testing sites. This is particularly relevant when your blood sugar quickly fluctuates, such as after a meal or exercise. If you experience hypoglycemia symptoms, check your sugar with your fingertip if feasible because these readings are more reliable.

Continuous Glucose Monitoring System

These devices, sometimes called interstitial glucose measurement devices, are used with insulin pumps. They are comparable to finger-stick glucose tests and can reveal patterns and trends in your findings over time. There are several types of CGM systems. Some are standalone devices, while others are connected to an insulin pump.

HbA1c Home Tests

Hb is an abbreviation for hemoglobin, the protein found in red blood cells that transport oxygen. When your blood sugar levels are high, more sugar binds to hemoglobin. Therefore, an HbA1c test can determine the typical quantity of glucose in your blood over time. To do an HbA1c test, pierce your finger and place a drop of blood on the test strip. For some HbA1c tests, you need to ship a blood sample to a laboratory.

At-home HbA1c tests are less exact than lab tests, but they might be helpful if in-person medical appointments are difficult for you due to distance or other factors. You may send your data to your doctor from home so they can understand how your blood sugar is going.