Self monitoring is important for those with type 1
diabetes.
Blood Testing for Glucose- Monitor your blood glucose as directed by your doctor:
- Measure your blood sugar before meals and at bedtime every day and record the readings.
- Review your glucose readings to see if your level is too high or too low several days in a row at about the same time.
- Learn to use your glucose monitor correctly.
- Daily home glucose monitoring is essential.
- Try to keep your glucose level between 70-110 mg/dl before meals.
- Two hours after meals, your glucose level should be less than 140 mg/dl.
- Check your blood sugar before operating a motor vehicle.
- Raise your blood sugar level by eating, if it falls below 70 mg/dl.
- Carefully monitor your blood sugars when you are ill.
- Blood glucose increases when you are ill or have an infection.
Good times to measure your
blood glucose:
- Before meals
- Before bedtime
- 1-2 hours after meals:
- Helps you to decide if you need to supplement with regular insulin (sliding scale)
- 2-3 A.M., at least one night per week:
Additional reasons to measure your
blood glucose:
Urine Testing for Ketones- In the past, urine testing was very useful and important. With the availability of rapid blood sugar testing, urine testing is usually not necessary.
- The main reason to perform this test is to check for early ketoacidosis. Small or trace ketones may mean nothing or represent the beginning of ketoacidosis. If you find this result, then perform the ketone test again in several hours.
- Notify your physician immediately if you discover moderate to large ketones present in your urine.
