Self monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG) is the most effective method for controlling your diabetes. Many studies prove people with diabetes who frequently monitor their blood glucose have better Hemoglobin A1C labs and better outcomes than individuals who avoid this practice. Someone who avoids monitoring their blood glucose usually gripes about the pain of finger sticks and the cost of the strips. Some of my clients are embarrassed to check their blood sugar in public because they do not want others to know they have diabetes. Sometimes they hate checking their blood sugar because if they know they are not meeting their blood glucose goals, they have to do something about it. Sometimes they just forget. Here are some guidelines when you decide it is time to start monitoring your blood sugar.

• Finding the proper meter is important. Meters have advanced through the years. Talking meters are available. Many new meters do not require much blood to give a proper reading. There are meters that can give you a reading between 5 to 40 seconds. Also, most meters store your readings for a long period of time so you can give the meter to your doctor or diabetes educator to help you meet your blood glucose goals. Keep a log if you are unable to store information in your meter. Please check to see what type of meter your insurance covers.

• Alternate sites as much as possible. Try to use the side of your finger instead of your finger tips when you stick yourself.


• Keep your strips covered and dry in the package until you are ready. Store your strips away from extreme hot or cold temperatures.

• Diabetes professionals recommend you check your blood sugar at least 3 times a day if you are insulin. If you are on oral hypoglycemic agents (pills) and meeting your blood glucose goals, check your blood sugar at least once a day. Varying the time of day you check your blood sugar can help to see where you need to make any necessary changes. Ideally, you should check your blood sugar before you eat and 2 hours after your meal to see if you need to modify your carbohydrates or insulin. Also, checking your blood sugar before exercising and bedtime would be wise. If you are sick, you will need to increase your blood glucose monitoring to every 2 to 4 hours to prevent severe blood sugar swings.

I hope this basic information on blood glucose monitoring was helpful. Email me at askard@stablebloodsugar.com if you have any questions. Allison