Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Published : November 20, 2017 1:57 PM IST
What is the ideal thing to do to monitor blood glucose level -- whether to test it every day or check your blood glucose levels multiple times a day or to get it tested once every 15 days. Here is what Dr Pradeep Gadge, diabetologist, Shreya Diabetes Centre, Mumbai has to say about how many times should you check your blood glucose level and if it is needed. Read about how often should diabetics use a glucometer to monitor blood glucose levels?
Is it important to monitor diabetes frequently?
Dr Pradeep Gadge says, "It depends on the type of diabetes and complexities associated with the condition. If your's is a simple case of diabetes that can be controlled with diet and exercise, then you might not need a glucometer at home to continuously monitor your blood glucose level. But if you still want to and you can afford, there's no harm in keeping one at home. However, if you have complicated diabetes such as gestational diabetes, type 1 diabetes or type 2 diabetes, then it is advisable to keep glucometer at home." Read to know if glucometers or blood glucose monitors are accurate?
Often people say that glucometers are not as reliable as lab readings, then why do you recommend to invest in a glucometer. Well, one must know that no on the spot test (rapid test) is as accurate as the lab. However, glucometer helps you to monitor your blood glucose level frequently. So it not only helps you to know but also gives an idea to your doctor about how well your blood glucose levels are in control. Hence, if you monitor your glucose levels at multiple times in a day, it gives a better understanding of the fluctuations over the course of the day and at times of the day. It is not the immediate reading that is of significance but the fluctuations in your blood glucose level that play a key role in the treatment of the condition. It is of importance for people with gestational diabetes, type 1 diabetes and people with chronic kidney disease because they usually have fluctuating diabetes. If using a glucometer for monitoring diabetes, here are few things to keep in mind.
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