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Why I Test My Sugar So Frequently

"Why do you test your sugar so frequently?" This is the question that I get asked most often by my doctors, friends, family, and others in the diabetes community. To make things short and sweet, I usually answer with a question, "How do you manage your sugar if you don't check it so much?"

How often do I test my blood sugar?

I check my blood sugar via finger poke up to 10 times a day on average, sometimes more or less depending on the day. It's the closest I can get to know my blood glucose daily trends without having a CGM (continuous glucose monitor).

Since my diabetes is so well controlled now, with an average A1c being 5.4, give or take for the past 6 years, my insurance won't pay for a CGM. Plus, I'm not fond of the thought of having something sticking in me 24/7.

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What times do I check my blood sugar?

Fasting blood sugar

I check my sugar shortly after waking up in the morning, usually known as your fasting sugar. This number will dictate what kind of day I'm having with my blood sugar. If that number is too high, I have to adjust my day accordingly, which usually involves fasting or eliminating carbs or sugar in meals until that number falls back into the normal range. For me, my fasting sugar usually isn't over 106, and I'll fast if my fasting blood sugar is over 106.

Before and after meals

I check my numbers before I eat to modify portion size or type of food to avoid blood glucose spikes. I'm pretty surprised at how many other diabetics don't even think to check their numbers before they eat.

Then, 2 hours after every meal, I will check again. If my blood glucose is too high, I will act on that to lower it by taking supplements or doing physical activity.

Exercise impacts blood sugar

Before and after exercise are important moments to check my blood sugar. I check my numbers then eat accordingly before working out. I eat to fuel my body for the upcoming workout, and I check afterward to see how exercise has affected me. No 2 activities have the same effect. A day of weight lifting may drop my sugar to 110, while other days can be as low as 69.

If I'm having issues feeling shaky or weak in a workout, I will check my sugar. This happened to me recently when lifting weights. I ate enough carbs, and it raised my sugar to 158. Mid-workout I started feeling weak. I checked sugar to find it dropped to 89 from 158, and I was only halfway through the workout routine. I ate a protein bar to bring my blood sugar up to finish the workout.

Keep a close eye on your numbers

To me, it's essential to keep track of your blood sugar to manage it well by identifying trends and making necessary adjustments. The frequency of checking blood sugar varies from person to person.

I think of it as a highly tuned race car. You want it to last long and perform optimally with minimal damage. So you use the right amount of fuels and other specs but not overdo it or neglect it. If it's not functioning right, you can pinpoint exactly why or make adjustments with all your notes.

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