How often should you test your blood glucose?
How often you test your blood glucose depends on which type of diabetes you have, your blood glucose range, and what kind of treatment your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will provide guidance on how often you should test it. If you have type 2 diabetes and take insulin to manage it, your doctor may suggest you test your blood glucose two or more times per day, usually before meals and sometimes before you go to bed. If you use noninsulin medications or manage your type 2 diabetes with diet and exercise, you may not need to test it as often.
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How do you test for diabetes?
Diabetes can be diagnosed by testing the amount of sugar in the blood, either after fasting or after an oral glucose tolerance test, or by measuring the percent glycated hemoglobin (hemoglobin A1c or HbA1c) within the blood.
How is Dexcom CGM different from a blood glucose meter?
The traditional method of measuring glucose levels requires a fingerstick using a blood glucose meter (BGM). BGMs provide a glucose reading at a single point in time. The key difference between Dexcom CGM and BGM is that Dexcom CGM provides glucose readings throughout the day and night, including glucose speed and direction arrows that empower wearers with more information for more informed decision making*.
What is a normal blood glucose level?
Normal or usual plasma blood glucose (sugar) levels range depending on the time of day, meals and other factors. Use this chart to determine your optimal range.