Contents:
- Medical Video: How To Test Blood Sugar | How To Use Glucometer | How To Check Blood Glucose | (2018)
- What types of blood sugar tests are usually done?
- 1. Fasting blood sugar test
- 2. 2-hour postprandial (PP) blood sugar test
- 3. When blood sugar tests
- Can I check my own blood sugar at home?
- If I have diabetes, how often do I have to check blood sugar?
Medical Video: How To Test Blood Sugar | How To Use Glucometer | How To Check Blood Glucose | (2018)
There are several types of tests used to check blood sugar, you know. Each test has different meanings. If you have diabetes, the blood sugar test is usually done to find out if your health condition is always safe and in control. Then how do you read the blood sugar test results? What distinguishes each blood sugar test? Here is the complete information.
What types of blood sugar tests are usually done?
To find out if your blood sugar is normal, there are several blood tests that are usually done. This blood test is carried out routinely by people with diabetes to find out whether the disease is still under control or not. Each blood sugar test has different methods and normal levels. Here are some common blood sugar checks.
1. Fasting blood sugar test
This check requires you to fast beforehand. Usually, the recommended fasting takes approximately 8 hours. Because checking fasting blood sugar is done in the morning, the patient is asked not to eat and drink in the middle of the night.
So far, checking fasting blood sugar is considered a reliable enough test to diagnose diabetes. Blood sugar levels that are considered normal on this examination are:
- Normal: below 100 mg / dl
- Prediabetes: 100-125 mg / dl
- Diabetes: 126 mg / dl or more
2. 2-hour postprandial (PP) blood sugar test
The 2-hour postpandrial blood sugar test is a continuation of the fasting blood sugar test. So, if you have taken a blood sample after a full 8 hour fast, you will be asked to eat as usual. Then 2 hours after eating, your blood sugar level will be checked again.
It's actually natural that blood sugar levels jump after eating time. This happens to both healthy people and diabetics. However, in healthy people, blood sugar levels will return to normal after 2 hours of eating.
This is because their insulin hormone works well to reduce blood sugar levels. This condition does not occur in diabetics, their insulin hormone is unable to work normally. Therefore, their blood sugar will remain high even though 2 hours after eating. The following are the normal levels of blood sugar examination 2 hours postprandial.
- Normal: less than 140 mg / dl
- Prediabetes: 140-199 mg / dl
- Diabetes: 200 mg / dl or more
3. When blood sugar tests
This blood sugar test is done anytime, does not need to fast beforehand or can be said without conditions. However, this examination is usually only applied to diabetics. So, if you already have a blood sugar check tool at home, you can do this check independently. This is your blood sugar level category according to your blood sugar test.
- Normal: below 200 mg / dl
- Diabetes: more than 200 mg / dl
If you have diabetes and have been given blood sugar control drugs, your blood sugar levels are also expected to continue at normal rates. If you continue at normal numbers, you can say that your diabetes is under control and low risk for complications.
Can I check my own blood sugar at home?
Today many sell simple blood sugar check tools. You can actually use the tool to monitor blood sugar levels when. Especially if you are taking drugs that suppress blood sugar that make you at risk of experiencing hypoglycemia or low blood sugar levels.
If you really want to buy a blood sugar checker so you can do your own tests, you should first consult the doctor who handles you. Make sure that you understand well how to use the tool and how to take the correct blood sample.
If I have diabetes, how often do I have to check blood sugar?
For how often blood sugar tests, each person will be different. This depends on what treatment is given. Usually, if you are given several drugs that can make blood sugar drop dramatically, then you are asked to check blood sugar more often.
However, to make sure it's better you immediately ask the doctor who handles you about how often you have to check blood sugar.
