The American Diabetes Association (ADA) suggests that anyone with diabetes benefits from checking their blood glucose regularly.
Glucose testing should be done if a person is:
Regular blood glucose checks allow people with diabetes to better manage their diet, exercise, and medicines, such as insulin and oral pills.
The person’s doctor will recommend how often to check blood glucose levels.
A person’s blood glucose level varies during the day. A number of factors can raise or lower the blood glucose:
The blood test A1C measures a person’s average blood glucose control for the past 2 to 3 months. It tells if their diabetes is in control and if their treatment plan is working. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends an A1C test at least every 6 months, or more often if needed. It does not replace daily self-testing of blood glucose.
According to the ADA (2013), the normal A1C level is below 7% (also reported as eAG:154 mg/dl).
Talk with the person’s doctor about the target level that is right for him or her.
How does the A1C test help with diabetes control?
The ADA (2013) reports that the A1C test helps manage diabetes by:
There is a new way to understand how well a person’s diabetes is in control. The estimated average glucose (eAG) uses the same units (mg/dl) as a blood glucose meter.
The eAG is showing up on blood test reports, giving health care providers an easier way to talk with patients about their blood glucose control. The ADA offers an eAG Tool Kit to help patients better understand how their A1C relates to their daily diabetes management.
See our Resources section.
When taking insulin or other diabetes medicines, there is a risk for a low blood glucose (hypoglycemia). Hypoglycemia can also occur if a person does not eat enough or if they have exercised. The level of exercise does not have to be at a high level. Sometimes simple housework or gardening can lead to hypoglycemia. It is less likely to occur if the person takes the correct amount of medicine and eats balanced meals, keeping in mind that snacks may be needed with exercise.
Most persons with diabetes know what to do if their blood sugar levels fall below or rise above their target. Each person has a blood glucose target set by their doctor.
For mild hypoglycemia (the person may feel low, have no symptoms, and the blood glucose is around 60- 80 mg/dl) follow the rule of 15:
Have the person eat or drink 15 grams of carbohydrate, which equals one of the following:
Recheck the blood glucose in 15 minutes to make sure it is 70 mg/dl or above. If the blood glucose is still too low, have the person eat or drink another 15 grams of carbohydrate, and once again check the blood glucose after 15 minutes. Once the blood glucose returns to target level, the person should feel better.
If a diabetic shows signs of low blood sugar, have him or her sit down so that they do not fall down. If the person is fully awake and alert, have them check their blood sugar, or check the blood sugar for them.
Hyperglycemia is a high blood sugar level. It develops when the body has too little insulin or is not able to use the insulin it has. A number of other factors cause hyperglycemia:
When a person’s blood sugar is over 200 mg/dl, call their doctor or home health nurse. Also, be sure the person is taking the prescribed amount of insulin or other diabetes medicines.