Testing Blood Sugar to Prevent Diabetes Complications
People with diabetes must test their blood sugar regularly
. It must be done to make a strategy in dealing with diabetes. Regular testing of sugar level in your blood can reduce the risk of getting complications.
There are several ways to test the sugar level in your blood:
1. Method of testing the blood sugar by pricking finger with a lancet is done by putting the droop of your blood in a test strip and placing it into a meter to know the sugar level in your blood. The blood sugar and meter can be found in the nearest pharmacy. Some types of meters have software kits to know the information in display charts and graphs.
2. Method of testing the sugar level in your blood by using meters that can test other parts not only the fingertip. The parts of the body that can be tested are forearm, upper arm, base of the thumb, and also thigh. Testing at different parts of the body can give different results.
3. Method of drawing blood using laser was approved by United States Food and Drug Administration in 1988. It produces light beam that penetrates the skin.
4. The fourth method is the MiniMed Glucose Monitoring System. It is a device inserted under the skin. It collects fluid and it can measure the sugar level in your blood for more than 72 hours.
5. The last method is the GlucoWatch. It was approved by FDA in 2001. It helps people to monitor their diabetes from tiny electric currents. It also draw fluid from the skin and measure the sugar level in your blood for more than 12 hours.
The sugar level in your blood is usually tested before meals, after meals, and before bedtime. You should ask your doctor before you perform individual blood test. They will tell you how often you have to check the blood sugar. Usually, you have to check your blood sugar more often first. If you feel sick, stressed, or any short of things you also have to check your blood sugar. Consultation with a family doctor is a must. Especially if your blood sugar level is very high.
The worst condition of diabetes might lead to complications. You have to undergo a surgery to fight the complication. Commonly the diabetes attacks your foot. Some people also have to amputate part of their foot to prevent more dangerous effect of diabetes.
Testing Blood Sugar to Prevent Diabetes Complications