Managing Diabetes

How Do I Test?

  • Wash hands.
  • Insert test strip into meter.
  • Prick a side of your fingertip for a drop of blood.
  • Gently squeeze/massage finger until a drop forms. **Sample sizes vary by meter
  • Touch & hold the drop of blood to the edge of the test strip.
  • Wait for the result. Blood glucose level will appear on meter display.

**Note: Meters are slightly different. Always refer to user's manual for specific instructions.

Other tips for checking:

  • Alternate Site Testing (AST) meters allow pricking of the forearm, thigh, or fleshy part of the hand.
  • Spring-loaded lancing devices make sticking yourself less painful.
  • Prick the side of your fingertip by your fingernail to avoid leaving sore spots on the useful part of your finger.

Keep Accurate Readings: Meter instructions may vary

  • Keep your meter clean
  • Check strip expiration dates
  • Store your strips as recommended on box
  • Coding/setting up your meter for strips & using control solution (where specified by manufacturer)
  • Use large enough blood sample
  • Log your results

Basic Glycemic Control

  
A1C <7.0%
Upon waking up before breakfast 70-130 mg/dl (5.0-7.2 mmol/l)
2 hours after lunch <180 mg/dl (<10.0 mmol/l)
Blood pressure <130/80 mmHg

Lipids

  
LDL <100 mg/dl (<2.6 mmol/l)
Triglycerides <150 mg/dl (<1.7 mmol/l)
HDL >40 mg/dl (>1.1 mmol/l)

 

What about meds?

Your Dr. may prescribe medication to increase blood sugar control and support your Medical Nutritional Therapy & regular exercise. By working with your Dr., America's Dietitians nutritional evaluations may recommend adjustments to prescriptions & blood sugar monitoring based on your diabetes progress.