Tamil - Australian Diabetes Council

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Blood Glucose (Sugar) Monitoring
Monitoring blood glucose levels is important to help you manage
your diabetes. Self blood glucose testing is a way of measuring how
much glucose is in your blood.
A drop of blood is obtained by pricking the finger with a needle
called a lancet. The blood is applied to a test strip, and inserted into
a blood glucose machine (meter). The blood glucose(sugar) level is
then displayed.
There are many types of meters available. Ask your doctor or diabetes educator which meter
suits you. You will also need to be shown how to use your meter.
Why you should monitor your blood glucose (sugar) level
Blood glucose levels respond to food, particularly carbohydrates. Other factors like physical
activity, diabetes medication, changes in your daily routine, stress and illness will also cause
blood glucose levels to go up or down.
Visits to a doctor or heath professional may be weeks or months apart. It is important to
know and understand the readings/blood glucose levels and make some self-management
decisions in between doctors visits.
The benefits of using a meter include:
• Seeing if your blood glucose level is too high or too low
• Gives you a picture of your day to day diabetes management
• Shows you whether your blood glucose levels are within your
recommended target range
• Shows you the effects of food, physical activity and medication on
your blood glucose (sugar) level
• Gives you confidence to self-manage your diabetes.
This gives you and your diabetes health care team the information needed to help you
manage your diabetes.
When you should monitor your blood glucose (sugar) level
Blood glucose monitoring is usually done before meals or two hours after the start of a main
meal. Ask your doctor or diabetes educator for advice on when and how often you need to
check your blood glucose level.
It is safe practice to check your blood glucose level before driving and on long journeys,
especially for those people who are at risk of hypoglycaemia.
Monitor your blood glucose level more often:
• If you are sick
• When adjusting tablets or insulin doses
• When blood glucose levels are high -for example over 15 mmol/L
• After exercise
• After alcohol intake.
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