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Diabetes affects millions of Americans. Type 1 Diabetes is a condition caused by an inability of the pancreas to control insulin levels in the blood. Type 2 Diabetes is a chronic condition in which the body cannot regulate sugar levels in the blood. Both are serious afflictions and need monitoring.
Get a blood sugar monitor, lancet and test stripsDecide if you want a device that tests on your fingers, or if you would rather have the ability to test on other areas. Finger pricks require the least pressure, but they can make fingers sore over time with repeated testing. Once you have decided on your monitor, you are ready to start testing.
If you have recently found out that you are diabetic and are looking for a blood sugar monitor, many manufacturers offer a free monitor along with test strips. Ask your pharmacy for details. Code your monitor and install stripMost blood sugar monitors require coding -- matching the machine to the test strip being used. This ensures an accurate blood count. Each monitor is different, but coding simply requires holding down a specific button and clicking forward the numbers, much like setting an alarm clock. Once the strip code and the monitors match, slip your test strip into the monitor. Now that you are coded and loaded, you are ready for the hard part.
Draw bloodUse your lancet to create a small "prick" on your finger, or other chosen area of skin, to expel a small amount of blood -- no more than a match head. Gently touch the test strip to the blood. The strip draws the blood into the monitor for the actual test. Your monitor will likely blink for a moment and reveal a number.
Record your resultsYou should have a journal handy to record your results if you require constant monitoring. Compare them daily to see if there are certain foods that raise of lower your blood sugar. Make sure to let your doctor know if your numbers fall too high or too low.
Diabetes is a disease that you can control with a little diligence. While it is disheartening to live with any chronic condition, you do not have to let it control your life.
What else can I help you with?
How do you check blood sugar levels?
Blood sugar levels are checked with a simple little machine. What it does is prick a persons finger to draw a little bit of blood and the machine reads it.
How can I regulate my blood sugar levels when I have Diabetes?
Some ways to regulate your blood sugar levels are to check and keep good records of your levels and the foods you eat every day. This way you can figure out which foods raise your blood sugar and avoid them.
What kind of tests could be used to detect blood sugar levels?
Usually if you have a high blood sugar you will begin to get sick and may pass out. To check your blood sugar levels, you should get a tester like one touch to get a sample of blood to test.
How do you restore blood sugar levels if its too low?
What you'd have to do is check your blood sugar level, then consume carbs in order to raise your blood sugar level, such as juice or candies.
Do you check your glucose levels?
Everyone with diabetes should check their glucose levels regularly. Using a blood glucose monitor to do SMBG testing can help control your blood sugar levels. and try to stay healthy.
Does glucagon raise or lower blood sugar levels?
Glucagon raises blood sugar levels.
Does soluble fiber raise blood sugar levels?
Soluble fiber does not raise blood sugar levels. In fact, it can help regulate blood sugar levels by slowing down the absorption of sugar into the bloodstream.
Is sugar free candy still bad for a diabetic?
Sugar-free candy may still affect blood sugar levels in diabetics because they can contain sugar alcohols or other carbohydrates that can raise blood sugar levels. It's important for diabetics to check the nutrition label for total carbohydrate content and monitor their blood sugar levels after consuming sugar-free candy.
Is it possible for me to check my dog's blood sugar using my own meter?
No, it is not possible to check your dog's blood sugar using your own meter designed for humans. You would need a specific veterinary blood glucose meter and test strips to accurately measure your dog's blood sugar levels.
Does alcohol affect sugar levels?
Yes, alcohol has sugar in it and can affect blood sugar levels. Most diabetics are told to avoid alcohol consumption, as it tends to distort blood sugar levels and makes blood sugar control difficult.
Which gland helps control sugar levels in the bloodstream?
The pancreas helps control sugar levels in the bloodstream by producing insulin to lower blood sugar levels and glucagon to raise blood sugar levels.
What hormone is responsible for lowering blood sugar levels?
The hormone responsible for lowering blood sugar levels is insulin.
