Care of Blood Sugar Test Supplies
Take care of your supplies so that you can test your blood sugar safely and get the most accurate blood sugar results. These results will be used to evaluate your treatment for diabetes.
- Meters. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer about how to care for the meter. All meters can be damaged by being dropped or jarred and by exposure to very hot or very cold temperatures. Some meters need to be cleaned regularly and have their batteries changed periodically.
- Lancets. Lancets must be thrown away safely after they are used. Do not put lancets into your household wastebasket or trash can; a used lancet might accidentally stick someone. Put your used lancets in a plastic container (such as a small, empty soda pop bottle or laundry detergent bottle) and seal it when it is three-quarters full. Check with your local trash disposal agency about how you need to dispose of lancets. Some agencies have special ways to get rid of this type of waste.
- Strips. Protect the test strips from dampness and humidity. Do not store them in the bathroom. Replace the lid on the strip bottle immediately after you take out a strip for testing.
Note: Check your meter's accuracy by taking it with you when you have a blood sugar test done at the doctor's office or lab. Prick your finger (or your child's finger, if he or she has diabetes) and test the blood with your meter at the same time the lab test is done. If your meter is accurate, the results should be no more than 20% above or below the lab's results.
How a 'Diabetes Diet' Protects Your Health
If you have diabetes, a healthy diet does more than keep your blood sugar under better control. A good diabetes diet can also help prevent or delay the onset of complications such as nerve pain or heart disease. Although some people talk about a "diabetes diet," there's really no such thing, experts say. The same healthy diet recommended for those without diabetes will help you if you have diabetes, too. You may need to then tailor the meal plan to your specific needs, such as lowering your cholesterol...
Read the How a 'Diabetes Diet' Protects Your Health article > >
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Is This Normal? Get the Facts Fast!
Answer:
0-69
70-130
131+
Your level is currently
If the level is below 70 and you are experiencing symptoms such as shaking, sweating or difficulty thinking, you will need to raise the number immediately. A quick solution is to eat a few pieces of hard candy or 1 tablespoon of sugar or honey. Recheck your numbers again in 15 minutes to see if the number has gone up. If not, repeat the steps above or call your doctor.
People who experience hypoglycemia several times in a week should call their health care provider. It's important to monitor your levels each day so you can make sure your numbers are within the range. If you are pregnant always consult with your health care provider.
Congratulations on taking steps to manage your health.
However, it's important to continue to track your numbers so that you can make lifestyle changes if needed. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Your level is high if this reading was taken before eating. Aim for 70-130 before meals and less than 180 two hours after meals.
Even if your number is high, it's not too late for you to take control of your health and lower your blood sugar.
One of the first steps is to monitor your levels each day. If you are pregnant always consult with your physician.
Did You Know Your Lifestyle Choices
Affect Your Blood Sugar?
Use the Blood Glucose Tracker to monitor
how well you manage your blood sugar over time.
This tool is not intended for women who are pregnant.
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