Measuring Blood Glucose

Carefully and consistently testing your blood glucose(blood sugar) (probando su glucosa en sangre) is the most important way to manage diabetes. Daily control helps you feel better and avoid the sometimes-dangerous effects of high blood glucose (hyperglycemia) and low blood glucose (hypoglycemia). For the long term, keeping your blood glucose within target ranges can help you avoid diabetes complications.

Blood Glucose Self-Monitoring

It is important to monitor your blood sugar levels frequently and keep good records of your daily readings. This allows you to make modifications when glucose is too high or too low, as well as make important connections between those levels and lifestyle choices like food, exercise and alcohol.

The American Diabetes Association suggests these guidelines for optimal blood sugar levels, but depending on your unique condition, our health-care providers will review the goals that are best for your blood sugar:

• Fasting (before breakfast): 70-130 mg/dL
• Before a meal: 80-130 mg/dL
• 2 hours after a meal: Less than 180 mg/dL

There are many kinds of blood sugar meters—ranging from finger-stick devices that use a drop of blood to check levels to continuous glucose monitors that automatically track your blood sugar day and night. There are a lot of options. We can help you determine the monitoring device that is best for you.

HbA1c Test

The Hb (hemoglobin) A1c lab blood test shows your average blood glucose over the previous three months. It is an easy and accurate way to get an overview of your blood sugar control. The American Diabetes Association recommends most people with diabetes strive for an HbA1c of less than 7%.