Blood glucose monitoring VS continuous glucose monitoring
Regular glucose monitoring is the main way people with diabetes can manage their condition. By using glucose monitoring devices to check your blood...
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Everyone with type 1 and type 2 diabetes knows that to stay as healthy as possible, one needs to always be on top of their blood sugar levels. This can only happen when you test these levels frequently using a glucometer, one variety of many under the umbrella of sugar testing machines. If you’re wondering whether tracking your glucose is important at all, know that glucose monitoring devices are an essential part of living with diabetes.
By allowing you to track your sugar levels at any point in the day, they provide more accurate measurements that can help you make informed food and exercise choices.
What are the other reasons why testing sugar levels is important?
Testing your sugar levels provides essential information needed for diabètes management and can therefore make your life noticeably simpler. It can help you do the following things:
How and when should I check my glucose levels?
The frequency of testing usually depends on the type of diabetes you have, your treatment plan, and the advisable time in range given by your doctor. When you’re trying to figure out your testing schedule, consider the following factors specific to your particular case:
Testing through BGM or CGM devices
If you’re confused about whether to test using a blood glucose monitoring device (BGM) or a continuous glucose monitoring device known as CGM, here is some key information to keep in mind—both to learn the difference between the two and to see which one suits your lifestyle seamlessly.
On the other hand, a BGM device works differently and involves the process of blood sampling. To use a BGM device, you prick your finger using a lancet and apply a drop of blood to a test strip. The device then measures your glucose level to show a reading. It differs from a CGM device figure as it only shows the sugar level at point in time testing instead of past and future readings. In other words, BGM devices don’t show the pattern and trends of your glucose levels.
How to test through CGM devices
Why test A1c level
If you didn’t know, the A1C test is a common blood test used to diagnose type 1 and type 2 diabetes. If you're currently living with diabetes, it is also used to monitor how well you're managing your sugar levels. Other names for the A1C test include glycated hemoglobin, glycosylated hemoglobin, hemoglobin A1C, or the HbA1c test—information that can help you navigate diabetes research**.
An A1C test result reflects your average glucose or sugar levels for the past two to three months and measures what percentage of hemoglobin proteins responsible for transporting oxygen in your blood, are coated with sugar. A higher A1C level indicates substandard glucose control and increases your risk of health issues in the future.
It is also advisable to use CGMs that have shown effective results in reducing A1C levels to make sure that you have the best technology*. For further assistance on diabetes management and to learn more about this condition and the methods of living with it consult your doctor.
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