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Home Blood Sugar Test

Test Overview

A home blood sugar test measures the amount of a type of sugar, called glucose, in your blood at the time of testing. The test can be done at home or anywhere, using a small portable machine called a blood glucose meter. Testing blood sugar at home is often called home blood sugar monitoring or self-testing.

Home blood sugar testing can be used to monitor your blood sugar levels. Talk with your doctor about how often to check your blood sugar. How often you need to check it depends on your diabetes treatment, how well your diabetes is managed, and your overall health.

If you take insulininsulin to manage your diabetes, you may need to check your blood sugar level often. If you use insulin rarely or don't use it at all, blood sugar testing can be very helpful in learning how your body reacts to foods, illness, stress, exercise, medicines, and other activities. Testing before and after eating can help you know how certain foods affect your blood sugar.

Some types of glucose meters can store hundreds of glucose readings. This allows you to review your glucose readings over time and to predict glucose levels at certain times of the day. It also allows you to quickly spot any major changes in your glucose levels. Some meters can save the information to your computer. This lets you see your glucose readings on a graph or in other ways that make it easier to keep track of changes. And some meters can share your results with your doctor through a smartphone app.

Some home glucose meters can communicate with or be connected to insulin pumps. An insulin pump is a tiny computer you wear that delivers insulin into your body. The meter helps to decide how much insulin you need to keep your blood sugar level in your target range.

Why It Is Done How To Prepare How It Is Done How It Feels Risks Results References

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC StaffIgnite Healthwise, LLC Staff

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