Learning how to check your blood glucose is a critical skill to taking care of your diabetes. Even if you have a CGM, you’ll still want to have a blood glucose meter as a back-up.
Video Demo of Checking Blood Glucose
The entire process is pretty quick. It only requires a tiny drop of blood.
Where to Buy a Glucose Meter
Glucose meters are usually available for purchase over the counter, without a prescription. I’m using the Contour Next Glucose Meter which is accurate, reliable, and easy to use.
Glucose meters can be found at most pharmacies, as well as online.
Saving Money
The most expensive part of the glucose meter is the test strips. Each check requires one strip. You may be able to save money by getting a prescription. Insurance companies often have preferred brands. Inquire with your doctor and insurance company.
When to Check
Checking first thing in the morning, before you eat anything, gives you your fasting blood glucose. Monitoring this over time can help you and your doctor to see how your diabetes is doing.
Checking 2 hours after a meal can give you an idea about your post-meal glucose levels. If you are keeping records for your doctor to review, consider varying when you test, to get a fuller picture. Blood sugar (also called blood glucose) changes all of the time and can vary day to day for many reasons.
Consider a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)
A CGM automatically records your glucose levels throughout the day. There are now over-the-counter CGMs available.
If I could have done one thing differently in my LADA Diabetes journey, it would have been to get a CGM sooner. They provide a wealth of insight! Once I had a CGM, then I learned more about how my blood sugar changed based on what I ate, and also I could see the impact of insulin directly.
