How to Check Your Blood Sugar Level

If you have diabetes you need to check your blood sugar level regularly. This will let you know if your lifestyle and diet are working for you. On average, your blood sugar level should be between 90mg/dl and 130 mg/dl. Your doctor will let you know what level is right for you. Your levels may be higher or lower depending on how your heart and kidneys are working and your age. Good times to test are before meals, two hours after meals, before and after exercise, first thing in the morning, bedtime, and if you suspect that your blood sugar is too low or too high. Make sure to test whenever your doctor tells you that you should. First, you will need some supplies.

The supplies needed for checking blood sugar levels are usually covered by insurance. You will need a prescription from your doctor to obtain the supplies. The supplies you will need are a meter, test strips, lancing, lancets (small needles used to prick yourself), control solution, and a sturdy bottle to store your used needles. The act of checking your blood sugar level is easy and very accurate. First, wash your hands with lukewarm water and soap. Do not use alcohol all the time in place of soap and water because it will dry out your fingertips and cause them to crack and bleed. Stick your finger to get a blood sample. Using the pad of your finger is the most painful so stick the side. Then, apply the blood on the test area of the meter and record your blood sugar level. Testing will let you know if are staying at a steady rate or fluctuating up and down. If you have any questions make sure that you talk to your doctor.