Be sure to talk to your veterinary professional before making any treatment changes.
Monitoring blood sugar levels is essential for effective diabetes management. It helps individuals understand how their body responds to food, exercise, and medication while preventing complications.
How Often Should You Check Your Blood Sugar?
- Type 1 Diabetes: Typically, 4–10 times per day, including before meals, before and after exercise, and before bed.
- Type 2 Diabetes: Frequency depends on treatment type. Those on insulin may need to check multiple times daily, while others may require fewer checks.
- Gestational Diabetes: Often requires checking before meals and one to two hours after eating.
Best Methods for Monitoring Blood Sugar
- Fingerstick Testing (Glucose Meters) – Provides immediate readings but requires multiple daily pricks.
- Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs) – Tracks blood sugar trends in real time with minimal finger pricks.
- A1C Testing – A lab test that measures average blood sugar over the past three months.
Tips for Effective Monitoring
- Keep a log of blood sugar levels and note any patterns.
- Test before and after meals to understand how food impacts glucose.
- Work with a healthcare provider to adjust medication and lifestyle habits based on readings.
Consistent monitoring is key to maintaining stable blood sugar levels and preventing complications.
Sources:
- American Diabetes Association. “Blood Glucose Testing.” https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/glucose-monitoring
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. “Managing Diabetes.” https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/managing-diabetes
