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Monitoring Diabetes

Monitoring Diabetes. What is Monitoring?. Finger-stick blood sugar testing Like a “snapshot” A record of finger-sticks shows a trend Trends show what needs to be changed Hemoglobin A1c is like a summary of 2-3 months of finger-stick readings. “Snapshot” vs. “Summary”. Example:

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Monitoring Diabetes

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  1. Monitoring Diabetes

  2. What is Monitoring? • Finger-stick blood sugar testing • Like a “snapshot” • A record of finger-sticks shows a trend • Trends show what needs to be changed • Hemoglobin A1c is like a summary of 2-3 months of finger-stick readings

  3. “Snapshot” vs. “Summary” Example: Finger sticks average 200 : A1c will be about 8% Finger sticks average 150: A1c will be about 6.4% Non-diabetic finger sticks 100-125; A1c is between 4.6-5.4%

  4. Why Check Blood Sugar? • To help make good food choices • To know how exercise or illness affect blood sugar • To help you know if your blood sugar is too high or too low • To help understand symptoms

  5. Monitoring Goals • Fasting: 70-130 • Two hours after a meal: less than 180 • Before a meal: about 100 (70-130) • Bedtime: 100-120 (snack if less than 100) • 2:00-3:00 a.m.: 100-120 • Hemoglobin A1c: 6%-7%

  6. Putting finger sticks to work! • Did I eat too many carbs at a meal? • Check FSBS 2 hrs after meal • More than 180…YES, too many carbs! • I am feeling “funny.” Is my blood sugar too low or too high? • Check FSBS: • Less than 70, drink ½ cup juice or non-diet soda; • If 500-600, go to hospital!

  7. Putting finger sticks to work! • Is my liver making too much sugar at night? • Check FSBS at 3:00 a.m. several times a week and tell provider results • Is exercise really making a difference? • Check FSBS before and after exercise

  8. When to Test Blood Sugar • No one set time • Test at different times of day • Test more often if sick • General testing times: • Before breakfast (no food for 8 hours) • 2 hours after each meal • Before a meal • At bedtime • At 3:00 a.m. occasionally

  9. FSBS Record

  10. What if… • My fasting and bedtime finger sticks are at goal, but my A1c is too high? • What is happening after meals? • When was the last time A1c was checked? • How old is the meter? • Are the strips expired?

  11. Let’s Review! • True or false: fasting blood sugar should be about 160. • Give 3 reasons why checking blood sugar is important. • True or false: If you are not taking insulin, you do not really need to check your blood sugar. • When should you check your blood sugar?

  12. How to Test Blood Sugar • Keep all supplies in safe place with log book and pen • Make testing part of your routine • Get a good drop of blood • Wash hands • Dangle fingers below waist • Gently squeeze finger until it is red • Prick the sides, not the middle • Thumbs and pinkies have better blood supply

  13. More Tips • Try to always use sides of fingertips • Warm your hands first if it is cold • Don’t share equipment with others • Calibrate (set up) your meter with each new box of test strips • Make sure the test strips are not expired

  14. Things that affect reading • A dirty meter • Meter/strips that are too cold or too hot • An outdated test strip • An outdated battery in meter • A drop of blood that is too small • Touching the strip on the electronic section • Not getting “sipping” action of blood into strip; need a “hanging drop”

  15. Let’s Review! • Which fingers have a better blood supply? • How often do you need to calibrate or set up your meter? • Which part of the test strip should not be touched: the part where you place the blood sample or the electronic part?

  16. Bring your meter and log book to every appointment!

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