Watch Video
Read Article
Diabetes patients must watch their diet, take medicines on time and test their blood sugar or blood glucose levels regularly. Keeping a check on blood sugar levels can help manage diabetes better, as well as avoid health problems such as heart and kidney diseases. You can easily do blood sugar monitoring in the comfort of your home. All you have to do is use a small, sharp needle to prick your finger and put a drop of your blood on a test strip. But if you are wondering if you should check this before eating or sleeping, we asked an expert about the best time to check blood sugar.
Diabetes is a chronic medical condition characterised by elevated levels of glucose (sugar) in the blood due to the body’s inability to produce or effectively use insulin, says endocrinologist and diabetologist Dr Piyush Lodha. Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, is meant to regulate blood sugar levels by facilitating the entry of glucose into cells, where it is used for energy. When insulin production is not sufficient or the body’s cells become resistant to its effects, glucose collects in the bloodstream, leading to diabetes. It is a common condition, as about 422 million people across the globe have diabetes, as per the World Health Organization.
Diabetes is primarily categorised into three types:
It is an autoimmune condition where the immune system kills the insulin-producing beta cells found in the pancreas, resulting in little or no insulin production. Usually diagnosed in children and young adults, it requires insulin therapy for the entire life of the person with this type of diabetes, says the expert.
It is the most common form, with more than 95 percent of people with diabetes having type 2 diabetes, according to the World Health Organization. It is characterised by insulin resistance, where the body’s cells do not respond effectively to insulin, and eventually, the pancreas may not produce enough insulin. It typically develops in adults over the age of 45, but is increasingly being diagnosed in younger people, says the expert.
Some pregnant women may have gestational diabetes, which usually resolves after child delivery. It involves insulin resistance during pregnancy and can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Blood sugar targets can vary, but the American Diabetes Association recommends the following –
Regular blood sugar monitoring is crucial, as it helps in:
Frequent blood sugar monitoring allows for early detection of high or low blood sugar levels. This can prevent severe complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis, hypoglycemia, and long-term damage to organs like the heart, kidneys, and eyes, says Dr Lodha.
Blood sugar monitoring helps in evaluating the effectiveness of current medications or insulin regimens. It allows for timely adjustments in therapy based on the blood sugar trends.
It provides feedback on how diet, exercise, and other lifestyle factors are affecting blood sugar levels. This helps in making changes about your diet and physical activity levels, says the expert.
The optimal times for blood sugar testing can vary based on the type of diabetes and treatment goals –
Checking blood sugar levels involves the following steps –
Regular blood sugar monitoring can help you to effectively manage diabetes, and make decisions about the treatment and lifestyle adjustments.
Take a PollTake a PollGet latest updates on health and wellness along with Preventive Care, Family Care, Reproductive Care, Self Care
Disclaimer: At Health Shots, we are committed to providing accurate, reliable, and authentic information to support your health and well-being. However, the content on this website is intended solely for informational purposes and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalised advice regarding your specific medical condition or concerns.
