The Importance Of Testing Your Glucose Levels

Testing your glucose levels is the best way to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. You will feel better, and more importantly, can prevent or delay complications that arise from diabetes. Since a diabetics body is not producing or using insulin effectively, sugars build up in the blood stream. If left untreated, then the result can cause damage to blood vessels, especially in your eyes, kidneys and extremities. Knowing when the levels are high can cut down on the incidence of long-term complications such as diabetic retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy can occur in both Type I and Type II diabetes. When your blood glucose level remains too high over an extended period of time it causes changes in the blood vessels that supply the retina in your eyes. This may cause you to see blotches, blurriness or dark spots. If not treated, diabetic retinopathy can cause blindness.

Nephropathy

Nephropathy happens when your kidneys become damaged from years of high glucose levels. The kidneys lose their ability to effectively filter blood and toxins. Excess proteins build up in the blood and can result in kidney failure and dialysis.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy is damage to your nerves as a result of high blood sugar over a long period of time. Sensation becomes abnormal and you may feel a tingling or burning sensation.

Glucose Meter

Using a glucose meter is a common and effective way to test your blood sugar. You prick your finger with a lancet (a sharp small needle) and put a drop of blood on a test strip. Then you place the test strip in the glucose meter. Within 15 seconds the glucose meter will display your blood sugar level.

Alternative Site Testing

There are more advanced meters that now allow you to test your glucose levels from other areas on your body beside your fingertip. These alternative test sites includes the base of your thumb, thigh, upper arm and forearm. Alternative site testing is not as reliable as the traditional method of pricking your fingertip because it doesn’t show changes in your glucose levels as quickly.