Monitoring Diabetes
What is Monitoring?
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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:
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%
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
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%
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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!
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
When to Test Blood Sugar
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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
FSBS Record
1
Fasting
(before
breakfast)
2 hrs after
breakfast
2 hrs after
lunch
2 hrs after
supper
3:00 A.M.
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10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18
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?
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?
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
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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
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
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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”
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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?
Bring your meter and log book
to every appointment!