You can manage your diabetes better and reduce your risk of complications by consistently monitoring or checking your blood glucose levels. As you get comfortable doing this, you can identify what is "normal" for your body.

If you don't routinely check and record your levels, work with your doctor or diabetes educator to help you identify the target blood glucose levels and create a self-monitoring schedule. Don't put it off - regular monitoring will improve your chances of enjoying each day complication-free!

Develop a schedule and follow it closely, and you'll learn how your blood glucose levels affect how you feel. This will help you start to identify unhealthy levels before they get out of control. While having your blood glucose tested during regular doctor visits is important, regular self-monitoring can help you make the best decisions about yoru daily diabetes self-care.

Ask yourself:

When monitoring my blood glucose levels, I often:

A.  Follow an exact schedule and keep a thorough record of my daily levels. I use these numbers to make decisions about my diabetes care.

B.  Test my levels as directed to share with my doctor and diabetes educator.

C.  Test my levels if I am not feeling well but don't otherwise monitor my blood glucose.

D.  Only get my blood glucose levels tested when I see my doctor because I don't own a blood glucose meter.

If you answered A or B, you are practicing healthy monitoring habits. If you answered C or D, you should revisit monitoring recommendations with your care team adn plan on incorporating these habits into your life.