Time Frame

• Type 1 diabetics are insulin dependent, so they should monitor their glucose three to four times a day. Type 2 diabetics who are taking insulin and diabetes pills should also test their glucose levels three to four times a day. Type 2 diabetics, who are taking pills and not achieving a range of 80 to 120 milligrams per deciliter, should test two to four times a day. For those who are controlling their diabetes well with diet and exercise alone can test less often and should consult their doctor.
  
  

Self-Monitoring

• Self-monitoring involves the use of a glucometer or glucose meter. The meter comes with a lancet, which the patient uses to prick the finger or arm. Once you have pricked the finger, squeeze until a droplet of blood appears. Take the glucose strip, which is inserted into the glucose meter, and draw in the blood droplet. Within 5 seconds, the meter will register the glucose blood reading.
  
  

Continuous Monitoring

• For those who have large swings in their glucose blood readings, the physician may prescribe a continuous meter, which takes blood glucose readings every 5 minutes. A small chip is inserted under the skin. The patient then attaches a monitor to a belt buckle, or they keep it in a pocket where they can read the results throughout the day.
  
  

A1C Tests

• Your health physician will order A1C blood tests every three months to monitor changes in glucose readings. The nurse or lab technician will take a sample of blood right in the doctor's office. The A1C test gives the doctor a three-month average blood glucose reading, so he or she can adjust medication, if needed.
  
  

Purpose

• The purpose of glucose monitoring is to help patients and the physicians adjust medication, modify meal planning, and learn how food affects sugar. Glucose monitoring is helpful for those who suffer from hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Low blood sugar and high blood sugar can cause dizziness, blurred vision, sweating, shaking, confusion and even unconsciousness. It is also important for those who are ill or taking other kinds of medicines. Illness can cause rises in blood sugar. Medicines can cause blood sugar decreases and increases.