Checking your blood glucose
You can check your blood glucose using a blood glucose meter. Your diabetes-care team will help you choose a meter and show you how to use it. Be sure to read the directions for using your blood glucose meter.
You can keep track of your results in a log book or diary or even in your blood glucose meter
When you keep good blood glucose records, you and your healthcare provider can make the best possible decisions about your diabetes-care plan. Many meters have computer programs which allow you to download your blood glucose results in many helpful formats. Check with your healthcare provider for more details. You can also keep a record of your blood glucose results online using the Changing Life With Diabetes Interactive Blood Glucose Diary.
A1C
This laboratory test measures your average blood glucose levels over a period of the last 2 to 3 months. It is an accurate measure of how well you are managing your blood glucose over time. The test results are given as a percentage. The higher the percentage, the more glucose has been in your blood. An A1C level of 6.5 % or lower is recommended for people with diabetes. Medical studies have shown that these levels can help reduce your risk for diabetes-related complications.
