Why I’m Always Checking My Blood Sugar with Type 2 Diabetes

"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 glucose levels if you don't check them so much?"

How often do I practice checking 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 knowing my daily blood glucose trends without having a CGM (continuous glucose monitor).

Because my diabetes is well-controlled now—with an average A1C of 5.4 for the past 6 years—my insurance won't pay for a CGM. Plus, I am not fond of the thought of having something sticking in me 24/7.

My daily routine for checking blood sugar

Checking in the morning (fasting)

I check my blood sugar shortly after waking up in the morning, which is known as fasting blood sugar. This number dictates what kind of day I'm having with my glucose levels. If that number is too high, I have to adjust my day accordingly. This usually involves fasting or eliminating carbs and sugar in meals until that number falls back into the normal range. My fasting blood sugar usually stays under 106; if it goes over that, I will fast.

Checking blood sugar before and after meals

I check my numbers before I eat to modify my portion size or food choices to avoid blood glucose spikes. I am surprised how many other people with diabetes don't even think to check their numbers before they eat.

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

Checking blood sugar around exercise

Before and after exercise are important moments for checking blood sugar. I check my numbers and 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 two activities have the same effect. A day of weightlifting may drop my blood sugar to 110, while other days it can go as low as 69.

If I start feeling shaky or weak during a workout, I immediately check my sugar. This happened to me recently when lifting weights. I ate enough carbs, which raised my blood sugar to 158. Mid-workout, I started feeling weak. I checked my blood sugar and found it had dropped from 158 down to 89, and I was only halfway through the workout routine. I ate a protein bar to bring my blood sugar back up to finish the workout.

Why I consistently monitor my glucose levels

To me, it's essential to monitor 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 my body as a highly-tuned race car. You want it to last long and perform optimally with minimal damage. Therefore, you use the right amount of fuel and other specifications without overdoing it or neglecting it. If it's not functioning right, your notes help you pinpoint exactly why so you can make adjustments.