Jen's Diabetes Blog - March 2007

7th March 2007

And Still They Come - Diabetes Testing Examined !

Everyone knows that when you visit the clinic at the hospital, you'll be asked how often you test and what your average blood glucose level is.

The answers are then usually accompanied by some slight tutting or an intake of breath between the teeth!

So, why is there the huge interest in testing and why is it so important?

The Info from Diabetic Research

Research has shown that regular blood glucose testing by diabetics is key in helping to maintain good control and prevent long-term complications.

Research in the 1980's showed that good control of blood glucose levels can prevent or reduce complications.

How does this apply to you ?

If you want to keep healthy and avoid the complications, you'll need to heed those symptoms you feel during a high blood sugar episode and manage your diabetes better.

This can mean testing more regularly, so getting a finger pricker which is less painful and penetrates the skin less can help reduce the discomfort that you feel in your fingers.

Most people have gotten into a routine for their testing, but for those who are struggling with levels, ask your health care provider about continuous glucose monitoring.

Steps to take before a blood sugar test

You've probably heard these before - but do you adhere to them to ensure the most accurate and helpful results?

1. Do you need to test? - if you've just eaten, do you need to leave it a bit longer? 
2. Wash and dry your hands - testing on the finger that you've just opened the glucose tablets with is unlikely to give an accurate reading!
3. Use a fresh test strip and don't touch the "testing" end where you'll apply a single drop of blood
4. Check your level!
5. React to the information - do you need to correct your level?  Do you need to have a snack immediately? 

We've found that if you're experiencing a hypo, it's best to eat glucose immediately and test (if necessary) as soon as you're feeling able.

On one hospital visit, we saw a box of new testers sat in the nurses room, we asked and were given the latest pocket-sized model.

The moral of this story is that if you haven't got a recent tester, ask your diabetes health care provider to recommend one and don't be afraid to ask for some free testing supplies (sometimes they have samples given to them by companies)!

What is HbA1C ?

Your HbA1c level helps to monitor your blood sugar levels over a period of weeks or months.  That's why your clinic or hospital will send of a blood sample to test your HbA1c (glycosylated haemoglobin) level.

This is in addition to your regular testing at home, as it's a combination of self testing and long term HbA1c results  that will help your health care provider to gain a broad picture of your personal diabetic control.

HbA1c (glycosylated haemoglobin) is collected in red blood cells when they are produced. It gives an indication of blood sugar levels over a couple of months - the average lifespan of a red blood cell.

The combination of results from HbA1c tests and thumb prick tests give a better indication of variations in blood glucose levels than either test alone.

Keep Your Own Records

Whether it's for your hospital visits, a weeks records of your levels are probably far more useful to your doctor than what you can remember.  Also, it's probably far more accurate, as it'll record the high levels that you've forgotten about.

Also, keep a note of your HbA1C records as you'll be able to see the upwards or downwards trends yourself and to feel good about things when you're managing your levels well.

Ask For Help When You Need It !

If you're worried or concerned about any aspect of your diabetes medical care - ask for help.

Your nurse, doctor or health care team are there to support you and offer the best preventative advice and care that they can.

Don't just sit idly by if you have a week of really bad sugar levels, pick up the phone, make an appointment, send an email - do whatever it takes to get the help you need to improve your levels and get you feeling well and fully fit once again.

We've established a "protocol" between myself and my daughter that if I ask her about her levels, I'm not intruding into her life, but helping and encouraging her to manage her health.  When she has had one or two emergencys with high blood sugar levels, she's happy to get on the 'phone to me and ask for advice.  If I can't help, I'm able to contact someone who can!