Why Check Blood Sugars?

Checking your blood sugar tells you the amount of glucose (glucose level) in your blood and is a key part of daily care. Each time you check, you will know if your blood sugar is inside or outside the healthy range set by the care team. 

Checking blood sugars regularly can help you and your child:

• Prevention of Complications: High blood sugar levels over time can lead to severe complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, nerve damage, and vision problems. Regular monitoring allows individuals to take corrective actions to prevent or minimize these complications.
  
  
• Find out how food, exercise, and diabetes medicine affect the blood sugar.
  
  
• Know when you need to make any changes to food, exercise, and diabetes medicines.
  
  
• Adjustment of Treatment Plans: Blood sugar levels can fluctuate due to various factors, including food intake, physical activity, stress, and illness. Regular monitoring enables individuals to make necessary adjustments to their treatment plans, such as insulin dosage or medication, to maintain optimal control
  
  
• Prevent health problems that can happen now or in the future
  
  
• Improved Quality of Life: By actively managing blood sugar levels, individuals can experience an improved quality of life. Stable blood sugar levels contribute to better energy levels, mood, and overall well-being
  
  
• Adjustment of Treatment Plans: Blood sugar levels can fluctuate due to various factors, including food intake, physical activity, stress, and illness. Regular monitoring enables individuals to make necessary adjustments to their treatment plans, such as insulin dosage or medication, to maintain optimal control.
  
  
• Early Detection of Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can be just as dangerous as high blood sugar. Regular monitoring helps individuals detect and address low blood sugar levels promptly, preventing potential complications such as fainting, seizures, or unconsciousness.
  
  
• Lifestyle Management: Monitoring blood sugar levels provides insights into how lifestyle choices, including diet and exercise, impact blood sugar levels. This information allows individuals to make informed decisions about their daily habits, promoting a healthier lifestyle.
  
  
• Motivation for Healthy Choices: Seeing the direct impact of lifestyle choices on blood sugar levels can be a powerful motivator for individuals to make healthier decisions. It encourages them to maintain a balanced diet, engage in regular physical activity, and manage stress effectively.
  
  
• Improved Quality of Life: By actively managing blood sugar levels, individuals can experience an improved quality of life. Stable blood sugar levels contribute to better energy levels, mood, and overall well-being.

   

  In summary, regular blood sugar monitoring is an essential component of diabetes management, helping individuals maintain optimal control, prevent complications, and make informed decisions about their health and lifestyle.