Blood sugar levels fluctuate throughout the day, even in healthy individuals. It is a natural process that is influenced by several factors, including meals, physical activity, and sleep. However, significant or frequent swings outside the normal range can be a cause for concern, especially in people with diabetes.
Regularly monitoring your blood sugar levels, whether through finger pricks or continuous monitoring devices, helps you both understand these fluctuations and identify potential problems early on. We asked experts about the importance of frequent testing and how often it should be done for people with diabetes.
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Understanding Type 1 And Type 2 Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects about 42.2 crore people worldwide, leading to 10.5 lakh deaths each year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The cause of diabetes may vary from person to person, depending on the type of diabetes they have.
There are two main types of diabetes, namely type 1 and type 2 diabetes. While type 1 diabetes results from the body's immune system attacking insulin-producing cells, type 2 diabetes occurs when the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or becomes resistant to its effects, often linked to factors like excess weight, inactivity, an unhealthy diet, and family history.
Unfortunately, type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented; however, healthy lifestyle choices can help reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes and related complications and premature death, as per the WHO.
Role Of Blood Sugar Testing
There are many benefits to blood sugar testing, not just for people with diabetes but also for healthy individuals. It is one of the first steps to both maintain healthy blood sugar levels and manage diabetes.
For healthy individuals, it can help detect pre-diabetes early, allowing for lifestyle changes to prevent future issues.
A report published in the Lancet highlights a significant rise in global prediabetes cases, with estimations suggesting over 47 crore people could be affected by 2030. The good news is that individuals diagnosed with prediabetes have the power to prevent the development of full-blown diabetes by adopting a healthier lifestyle. This can be made possible through regular blood sugar testing.
Additionally, for individuals with diabetes, it's crucial to monitor blood sugar levels throughout the day. This enables them to adjust insulin doses, identify patterns and triggers for fluctuations, and ultimately prevent long-term health complications.
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How Often To Check Blood Sugar Levels With Type 1 Diabetes?
In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Mahesh D M, Consultant-Endocrinology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, suggests that monitoring blood sugar levels is crucial for managing type 1 diabetes effectively.
According to him, regular monitoring and sugar reading feedback help maintain stable glucose levels, reducing the risk of complications such as hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia.
He recommends checking blood sugar levels multiple times daily, especially before meals, exercise, bedtime, and when experiencing symptoms of high or low blood sugar.
This can range from 4–10 times a day, according to the Mayo Clinic.
How Often To Check Blood Sugar Levels With Type 2 Diabetes?
When it comes to type 2 diabetes, Dr Vigyan Mishra, Chief of Lab at Neuberg Diagnostics, Noida, advises starting with daily monitoring and then transitioning to less frequent testing once patients have a stable understanding of their glucose levels.
He recommends checking blood sugar levels more often during illness, changes in medication, or lifestyle adjustments.
“Keeping a log of your readings, adhering to a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, and taking prescribed medications as directed are vital aspects of controlling high blood sugar effectively,” he added.
Conclusion
Regular blood sugar testing isn't just about diagnosing diabetes, it's also about managing the condition. By frequently monitoring their blood glucose levels, individuals with diabetes can make informed choices about their lifestyle, medication, and overall health, keeping their sugar levels in control at all times. In addition, consistent monitoring helps prevent complications associated with diabetes.