Health Tip of the Month
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Proper use of glucose monitors helps manage diabetes
Monitoring your blood sugar levels is an important part of managing diabetes, so it is important to know how to properly use a blood glucose monitor.
Jane A. O'Friel, a nurse and Diabetes Education Coordinator at the Backus Diabetes Management Center, said learning to use this important tool will help you know the influence of foods, medications and activity on your diabetes. You will also be able to notice any patterns in your blood sugar levels and when you may need to call the doctor for a change in your treatment plan.
When first using a glucose monitor, you should find out if it needs to be calibrated, and how to obtain an adequate blood sample, as well as how to document the results, what they mean and when you might need to contact your doctor.
Several resources can help answer these questions, including a pharmacist, a diabetes educator, a nurse and the company that made the meter.
"Using a blood sugar meter to test your blood sugar on a consistent basis can give you peace of mind,"Ms. O'Friel said. "The more that you know about your diabetes and what can change your blood sugar levels, the better you can take care of yourself and those around you."