Tests play a crucial role in not only diagnosing a disease, but it also helps in monitoring the condition and helping in deciding a treatment plan. This is very true in the case of diabetes management. Blood sugar testing is a common practice that can be done by a medical professional or at home with proper assistance. However, there are many mistakes that should be avoided while conducting the test. Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Rajesh Bendre, Chief of Lab, Neuberg Diagnostics, Mumbai, shares insight.
What You Need To Know About Blood Sugar Testing
In a world, where about 42.2 crore people have diabetes and 10.5 lakh deaths are attributed to the condition every year, taking necessary measures, making smart lifestyle choices, and necessitating regular blood sugar monitoring is extremely important.
According to Dr Bendre, empowering oneself in the realm of diabetes management involves steering clear of common blood sugar testing pitfalls.
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Blood sugar testing helps in managing diabetes and understanding your body's glucose levels. Glucose is a simple sugar, obtained from the breakdown of carbohydrates in the diet. It is the primary source of energy for the body's cells and is transported through the bloodstream to provide fuel for various bodily functions, including muscle activity and brain function.
The purpose of blood sugar testing is to monitor how your body processes glucose. Normal fasting blood sugar levels are typically between 70-100 mg/dL. However, levels may vary before and after meals. But consistently high or low levels of blood glucose can indicate diabetes or other health issues. It is important to note that illnesses, stress, medication changes, food choices, and physical activity can impact blood sugar levels, which is why you should maintain a log of your readings, meals, medications, and activities.
Mistakes To Avoid When Testing Your Blood Sugar Levels
Dr Bendre says, “One pivotal mistake to avoid when it comes to blood sugar tests is testing inconsistently. Fluctuating testing times can yield misleading results, hindering your ability to grasp patterns and make informed decisions about your health.”
This can occur due to factors, such as irregular meal timing, fluctuations in carbohydrate intake, varying levels of physical activity, stress, illness, medication changes, and not adhering to a consistent testing schedule. These variables can impact glucose levels and make it challenging to establish a clear pattern for effective diabetes management.
Another mistake people can make is not maintaining proper hygiene and technique during testing, says Dr Bendre. “Failing to wash your hands before testing or mishandling the glucose metre can lead to inaccurate readings, potentially derailing your treatment plan,” she warns.
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According to a study published in the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology, 'erroneous' or incorrect blood glucose readings may result in 'contraindicated treatment decisions', meaning treatments that should not be used because it may be harmful to the person.
In addition, one must refrain from testing blood sugar levels right after eating. “Post-meal glucose levels naturally surge due to digestion, making readings less reliable for immediate medication adjustments. Prioritising pre-meal testing provides a truer baseline for understanding your glucose control,” says Dr Bendre.
Conclusion
Blood sugar testing is a vital tool in diabetes management. Regular monitoring can help you maintain better control over your blood sugar levels, which is why avoiding any mistake is integral.
Dr Bendre says, “By sidestepping these pitfalls, you pave the way for more accurate data, fostering effective communication with your healthcare team. This knowledge empowers you to tailor your lifestyle choices, medication regimen, and overall approach to diabetes management.”
“Ultimately, by avoiding these mistakes, you equip yourself with the tools needed to proactively navigate your diabetes journey with confidence and precision,” he concludes.
