Diabetes Self-Management Articles

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Blood Glucose Monitoring: When to Check and Why

by Rebecca K. Abma

A change in attitude
For many people with diabetes, striving for tight control is a full-time job, and numbers outside the parameters of your goals can make you crazy. Dale, the diabetes educator from the University of Michigan, suggests a shift in perception that can help avoid knee-jerk reactions to high or low numbers: Instead of “testing” your blood glucose, “monitor” it.

“When you ‘test,’” she says, “the results can be interpreted to mean that you’ve ‘passed’ or ‘failed.’ It’s emotionally charged. When you ‘monitor’ instead, you gather information and make adjustments as necessary. You just need to ask, ‘What can I learn from this? Was my serving of pasta too large? Do I need to lower my insulin dose before exercise? What can I do better to prevent this from happening in the future?’ That’s how it should be for everyone.”

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Also in this article:
Getting Accurate Readings
When Your Fingers Have Had Enough
Blood Glucose Management Goals

 

 

More articles on Low Blood Glucose
More articles on High Blood Glucose
More articles on General Diabetes & Health Issues
More articles on Blood Glucose Monitoring

 

 


Statements and opinions expressed on this Web site are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the publishers or advertisers. The information provided on this Web site should not be construed as medical instruction. Consult appropriate health-care professionals before taking action based on this information.

 

 

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