Checking your Blood Sugars

Here you can learn how to check the amount of sugar in your bloodstream. Not everyone who has diabetes needs to check their blood sugars but being able to check your own blood sugar is a very useful skill. It is a essential skill to have if you are on insulin therapy.

To test your blood sugar you will need a blood testing meter with the right testing strips. You will also need a finger pricking device. All meters now come with finger pricking devices and a few test strips to get you going. Blood testing meters are available from your diabetes specialist nurse or diabetes clinic.

 
Not everybody needs to check their blood sugar levels but checking your blood sugar gives you a clear indication of how well you are controlling your diabetes - as well as what is happening immediately. Your blood sugar reading will vary throughout the day. Having good control means keeping your blood sugar level as normal as possible and avoiding very high levels (hyperglycaemia) or very low levels, (hypoglycaemia). By doing this you are reducing the risk of diabetes complications. Your Diabetes Team can advise you on what is a normal blood sugar level but generally speaking between 5mmol/l and 7mmol/l shows good control.

We would also advise you to record all blood sugar readings in a diary. (If you do not have one ask your Diabetes Specialist Nurse.) This means you can keep track of all your results and the record will show any patterns emerging.

Remember, always take your blood-monitoring diary with you to your diabetes appointments as the diabetes team can look at what is happening and help you to alter your treatment if necessary.

Sometimes you may have a high one off reading, but don’t panic - this happens to everybody occasionally.

When should I check my blood sugar levels?
Your diabetes team will show you how to test your blood sugars and advise when to test using your blood-testing meter. (Click here for Blood Testing Meters available)

However, sometimes it is important to check your blood sugar levels more frequently e.g. if you are ill (see Sick Day Rules) or if you are pregnant. **

Other times we would advise you to check your blood sugars are:

  • if you are feeling hypo (hypoglycaemia)
  • before and after exercise
  • before driving.