key in 2 diabetesis triggered by excessively high blood glucose (sugar) levels.
Glucose provides energy to cells throughout the body.
Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, helps glucose enter cells.
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A tiny needle called a lancet is used to pierce the skin.
A small amount of blood is placed on a test strip and inserted into the glucometer.
This equipment measures glucose levels in fluid between your cells every few minutes, 24 hours per day.
This information is sent to your phone or a separate equipment, such as aninsulin pump.
Other Testing Options
In addition to blood tests, blood glucose levels can be tested usingurineorcerebrospinal fluidsamples.
Understanding Results of Blood Sugar Testing
Your healthcare provider will determine your specific blood glucose target levels.
Symptoms of hypoglycemia can include:
Symptoms of severe hypoglycemia require immediate medical attention.
Blood sugar levels can also be too high, causinghyperglycemia(high levels of calcium in the blood).
Levels higher than 240 mg/dL can lead todiabeticketoacidosis(DKA), a medical emergency.
This condition can lead to coma or even death.
Symptoms of hyperglycemia can include:
Hyperglycemia is often treated with aninsulin injection.
Your healthcare provider will dictate exact instructions for the frequency of testing.
Blood glucose levels are most commonly tested with a finger prick test using a glucometer.
However, continuous glucose monitoring devices can also be used.
Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for testing and treating your condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many factors can affect the accuracy of blood glucose tests at home.
you’re free to double-check blood sugar levels obtained from continuous glucose monitoring devices with a prick test.
Blood sugar levels should be checked based on the specific schedule given by your healthcare provider.
You should also check your blood sugar any time you notice signs that it might be out of range.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.key in 2 diabetes.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Diabetes tests.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Blood glucose monitoring devices.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Continuous glucose monitoring.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Manage blood sugar.
U.S. National Library of Medicine.Glucose urine test.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
