Blood sugar testing is important because it is the most important way you manage and track your pre or Type 2 Diabetes progress.
By knowing your blood sugar levels, you can adjust your diet and even medication doses to keep your blood sugar in a healthy range. Testing can also help you identify high and low blood sugar patterns, which can be helpful in managing your diabetes.
If you want to test your blood sugar level, there are two types of devices that you can use. You can use the Blood Glucose Meter (BGM), also called a glucometer, or a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM).
Your doctor will either prescribe one of these for you, or recommend one. Read about lab tests here, that will be the basis for your doctor’s recommendation.
What is a BGM?
BGM, also called a glucometer, is a small machine you can use at home to test your blood sugar. These are also called blood sugar meters. This device is typically used by those who have been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. They will also be prescribed for other conditions that require blood sugar monitoring. It’s a good idea to use one of these if you have Prediabetes too.
How to Test Your Blood Sugar?
A blood (glucose) sugar meter is a device that must be used for blood sugar testing. The meter detects the level of sugar in a small quantity of blood, often from the tip of your finger, that you apply to a temporary test strip. This test strip is then inserted into the meter, which reads the strip and displays the result on a screen.
To use the glucometer, you will prick your finger with the disposable needle and then put a drop of blood on the strip. The machine will then give you a reading of your blood sugar level. This reading will tell you how much sugar is in your blood at that moment.
What is a CGM?
Sometimes it’s crucial for people who have diabetes to check their blood sugar levels every few minutes in order to manage their condition. A specific tool called a continuous glucose monitor is used to help check the patient’s blood sugar levels as needed, every 5 to 15 minutes. This type of close monitoring can be essential for people with Type 2 Diabetes. It can help them to keep their blood sugar levels under control and avoid any potentially serious complications.
These are also very popular these days, as you can get one to track your progress with Prediabetes as well. You can order one through companies online, however your health insurance may not cover, if it was not ordered
These continuous glucose monitoring devices use a sensor implanted beneath the skin to test your blood sugar every few minutes. The data is then transmitted wirelessly to a display device, which can be worn on the body or kept nearby. More recently they transmit data to an app on your smartphone. Usually, these sensors can be used for two weeks before they need to be replaced.
A 90 day CGM?
There is a newer, more advanced type of continuous glucose monitor which can test blood sugar levels for up to 3 months. This latest model is much more convenient and accurate than previous models, making it a great choice for people with diabetes. The transmitter can also send the information to a smartphone app. However, this device is not convenient. It requires a visit to a doctor’s office to be placed and also removed. This is likely why it is not very popular.
You should always consult your doctor before using any new blood sugar tracking devices. Your doctor or qualified diabetes care and education professional can suggest the best device for you and teach you how to use it properly.
Her tragic family history of Type 2 Diabetes, and her own diagnosis of prediabetes in 2021 caused her to research more deeply, leading to a passion in educating people on how to hopefully put this disease into remission.
