MONITORING

A1C Tests and Blood Sugar Monitoring

I Getting the A1C Test:

The A1C test is a standard test that shows the average amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood over the past 2 to 3 months, as well as how well your blood sugar level is being controlled over time. Visit your Sugar Clinic to get A1C test.

It’s important to keep track of A1C on a quarterly basis. Talk to your physician about your A1C targets and work towards achieving them. The recommended A1C target is less than 7%, even if your A1C is higher right now than is recommended; remem­ber that every step toward your A1C target helps reduce your risk of problems associated with diabetes.

II Monitoring Your Sugar:

Monitoring sugar levels regularly will help in controlling diabetes in a optimal way. Your healthcare team (including your doctor, nurse, diabetes educator, and dietitian) will help you learn the right blood sugar range that is healthy..

• The self-testing methods that is right for you, including how to check your blood using a blood sugar meter.
• How often you should check your blood sugar and at what time of day

Some people check their blood sugar once a day. Others do it 3 or 4 times a day. You may check before and after eating, before bed, and sometimes in the middle of the night. If your blood has too much or too little sugar, you may need a change in your meal plan, exercise plan, or medicine.


III Understanding Blood Sugar Ranges:

Fasting: A normal blood sugar level is less than 100 mg/dL. Patients with TYPE II diabetes have a fasting blood sugar level of 126 mg/dL or more.
 
After meals: A normal blood sugar level after a meal is less than 140 mg/dL. Patients with type 2 diabetes have a blood sugar level of more than 140 mg/dL 2 hours after a meal.

When your blood sugar is high (hyperglycemia), you may have these common symptoms: dry mouth, thirst, frequent urination, tiredness, blurred vision, and over time, weight loss without trying. If you have any of these symptoms, test your blood right away.

Reasons for high blood sugar include eating too much, being less active than usual, being sick or under stress, or needing an adjustment in your diabetes medicine. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) can happen when you’re taking medication to keep your blood sugar level near normal. However, this is not a reason to stop trying to control your diabetes just watch carefully for low blood sugar levels.

Low blood sugar is usually caused by eating less or later than usual, being more active than usual, or taking diabetes medicine that is not matched to your needs at that time.

Learn to recognize the symptoms of low blood sugar, which may include feeling nervous, shaky, sweaty, or tired. Symptoms may be mild at first but may worsen quickly if not treated. If you have signs of low blood sugar, test your blood right away. If your blood sugar level is less than 60 mg/dL, eat or drink a carbohydrate immediately, such as 1D 2 cup of juice (4 oz), 3 teaspoons of honey, or 3 to 5 pieces of hard candy. You may need to have a meal or another snack within 30 minutes. Waiting to treat low blood sugar is not safe.

IV To help prevent high and low blood sugar levels:

• Stay as close to your schedule of eating, activity, and medicine as possible.
  
  
  1. Check your blood sugar as directed and share your tracking records with your physician.
     
     
  2. Set goals with your healthcare team for weight, activity, blood sugar level, and A1C level.
     
     
  3. Wear something that lets others know that you have diabetes, such as a necklace or bracelet, in case of an emergency.
     
     
  4. Always carry a carbohydrate (such as hard candy) with you so you can treat a low blood sugar level at anytime.
     
     
  5. Talk to your physican if you frequently experience high or low blood sugar levels. You may need to discuss changes in diet, activity, or diabetes medicine.