Monitoring Diabetes Blood Sugar Levels Can Save Your Life
Diabetes and blood sugar levels are two phrases which you will hear almost every day of your life when you are diagnosed as a diabetic. Although there is a diabetes that is a result of the brain not being able to handle it's brain insulin, it's so new that not much is known about it, let alone monitoring yourself for it. This is about Types 1 and 2 diabetes, where your blood sugar levels will become as necessary to monitor several times a day.
Normal Levels
Be sure your doctor lets you know what your normal blood sugar levels should be before and after each meal. You could write them down on a chart or an index card and stick them either with your blood glucose meter or on the refrigerator. The point is - put it where you can see it and compare your normal levels to what is on your meter several times a day.
The National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse (I am not kidding about the name) has put out a chart of normal blood sugar levels for diabetes patients. Double check these number ranges with your doctor before you start using them as your basis of blood sugar normality. Also know how to use your blood glucose monitor, because you will have to do the tests by yourself many times a day. You will soon get the hang of it with practice.
After feeding your blood glucose monitor a drop of blood from your finger, it will blink and then flash a number at you. You don't have to know exactly what the numbers represent in order to keep track of blood sugar levels for diabetes patients. These are the normal numbers of blood sugar levels for diabetics:
Before breakfast (when you wale up): 80 to 120
Before meals: 80 to 120
Two hours after meals: 160 or less
At bedtime: 100 to 140
If these blood sugar levels for diabetes patients are way off, you need to act FAST. Do whatever your doctor says you should do in this situation - usually eat something and sit down. You might have to give yourself an emergency insulin injection. If you are unsure, call the hospital or call for help right away. A usual symptom of problems with your blood sugar levels is disorientation and confusion, so don't try to take care of it all by yourself.
