Having Diabetes: Tracking High and Low Blood Sugar
When you have diabetes, it’s important to track your blood sugar. If it is too high, you can go into shock. If it’s too low, you can pass out. So how do you manage it? We’ll outline a few tips below to help you track your high and low blood sugar.
Don’t Forget To Draw Blood
It is vital to check your blood sugar, especially if you’re feeling lightheaded or have any other symptoms of high or low blood sugar. You can’t treat your symptoms if you don’t know what is causing them.
A blood sugar target is a normal range that you must be within. Studies show that before a meal, your blood sugar should be within 80 to 130mg. Your monitor should read somewhere around 180mg two hours after you eat. Pricking your finger may be unpleasant, but it could save your life. This is the most important way to help you track your high and low blood sugar.
Know What Causes Fluctuations
You can have low blood sugar for any number of reasons. For example, taking too much insulin, switching medications by accident, and drinking alcohol can make your blood sugar low.
High blood sugar can be caused by eating fast food, over-snacking, dehydration, or missing a dose of your meds. Many people don’t realize how important it is to exercise when you have diabetes. Lack of exercise can cause blood sugar to skyrocket. Knowledge is the key to understanding how blood sugar works.
Carry the Right Supplies
This may seem counterintuitive, but you should carry some candy around for when you’re feeling shaky, dizzy, or have any other symptoms of low blood sugar. Drinking fruit juice or regular—and not diet—soda can help too. Carry a bottle of water with you as well for when your blood sugar is high. Stay away from fast food and implement portion control. All these things can help you better manage your symptoms.
If your symptoms are severe, go to the doctor immediately. After reading this, hopefully, you have a better idea of how to track your blood sugar. We hope these tips make a difference for you!
