BLOOD GLUCOSE TESTING

Understanding Results

• < 4 TOO LOW You will need to eat something
• 4 – 7 IDEAL - Before meals
• 7 – 10 REASONABLE – Before meals but OK after meals .
• 10 –15 SEEK ADVICE IF CONTINUES
• > 15 SEEK ADVICE URGENTLY You may need your treatment altered

Understanding HbA1C or Glycated Heamoglobin

This is the test that we send to the laboratory. It measures the average blood glucose over a three-month period. Research shows that the aim should be to keep it below 7 %. Your doctor or nurse will advise if your goal is different.

Diabetes and Vascular Health Centre Helpline Telephone Day time 01392 402842

Factors which influence Blood Glucose

Increase level:

• FOOD – especially containing sugars
• ILLNESS / INFECTIONS
• STRESS / ANXIETY / ANGER

Decrease level:

• TREATMENT - TABLETS / INSULIN
• EXERCISE / INCREASED ACTIVITY (Reaction may occur later on)
• ALCOHOL (Especially when taken without food)

Suggested times to test:

• Before meals.
• Before / During / After Exercise
• If feeling ‘Hypo'.
• Before driving if on treatment.
• During Illness / Infections
• If symptoms become worse. (Thirst / Tiredness / Passing urine more frequently)
• Any other time you want to know your result