These days, blood sugar meters are fantastic since they provide you an inside look at your habits and let you adjust them to assist you meet your objectives. The majority of medical professionals and members of your diabetes care team merely do not have the time to review and analyze every one of your blood sugar readings. They see a lot of patients, so it’s challenging to give each one individualized attention.
This indicates that it’s time for you to push forward and discover more about the true meaning of what your meter is indicating.The ability to download content to a PC or even Mac system is available on almost all contemporary meters. Every blood sugar level has a time and date stamp attached to it.
This enables the data interpretation software to create graphs, charts, and even broad statistics regarding your levels. Making ensuring the date and time are correctly adjusted is one thing you need to do to ensure that all the data is correct. If not, there’s a chance your schedule is off. We’re going to look at the information your meter can provide you with and how it can assist you manage your diabetes.
Downloadable Data Supplements
To guarantee that all crucial blood sugar data is properly downloaded, each meter usually needs a data cable. The majority of data cables are given away by the meter providers for free. By phoning their toll-free number, you can get in touch with the company directly if you require the appropriate cord for your meter. Some of the most popular contemporary meters and the software needed to operate them are listed below.
| Meter Company | Meter Type | Software |
| Abbott | Freestyle and Precision | CoPilot Management System |
| Abbott | Insulinx | FreeStyle Auto Assist (Software built directly into the meter) |
| Bayer | Contour and Contour Next | Glucofacts Deluxe |
| Bayer | Contour USB | Software built directly into the meter |
| LifeScan | OneTouch and Verio | One Touch Diabetes Software |
| Nova BioMedical | NovaMax | Nova Diabetes Software |
| Sanofi Aventis | iBGStar | iBGStar app for the iPad and iPhone |
Data and Reports from the Information Downloaded
Every software program gives you a different set of information and data. A target blood sugar range and the times of your meals and snacks are just two of the many crucial elements that many even let you personalize. A few of the reports that come with all that data and information from your meter are truly useful.
The Modal Day and Standard Day reports aid in generating a scatter plot of blood sugar levels categorized by dayparts. This will provide you an overview of how well you manage your blood sugar levels throughout the day, particularly during meals.
Do you have a regular time of day when you see a lot of highs or even lows?
Do all of your readings appear consistent or dispersed? There might be opportunity to tighten your blood sugar control during a particular meal if you observe that your blood sugar levels are higher than desired.
In addition to the reports mentioned above, the statistical data is also highly beneficial. Generally, they give you a close-up view of your typical blood sugar readings and the percentage that they deviate from your desired range.
It is recommended that you peruse this data by observing the time of day and day of the week. After modifications are made, statistical data gives you a thorough understanding of the progress you have made.
Trend Data
When determining your blood sugar levels over an extended length of time, blood sugar trends can be an invaluable resource. You have the option to examine the data in terms of weeks or even months. It is possible to ascertain whether a modification to the present treatment plan is necessary by going over the data and paying close attention to the peaks and troughs.
Keeping an eye on extracurricular activities can also help you gain a deeper understanding of the reasons behind the trends. You can even indicate on certain meters whether the readings are taken before or after you eat. This might also assist you in assessing the efficacy of your present course of treatment.
Logbook Data
You may see a complete picture of your blood sugar readings throughout the day by looking through your logbook data. You can gain additional knowledge about cause and effect as well as trial and error by going over this material.
Examine your peaks and troughs. By the time you take your next reading, do the highs drop back into your goal range, or do lows follow? Do you observe a decrease in your blood sugar levels as you sleep at night?
If your meter lets you enter total carbs, activity levels, and insulin dosage, the logbook can also give you information to help you fine-tune your routine.
Read Also: 17 Nutritious Recipes for High Blood Pressure and Type 2 Diabetes
What Do Blood Sugar Levels That Are High or Low Mean?
Seeing blood sugar readings outside of your goal range is not abnormal. However, you might want to start asking concerns if you start to observe a pattern of routinely reading blood sugar levels that are either high or low outside of your range:
- Which kind of exercise have you recently engaged in?
- Have you been taking your meds at different times, or did you forget to take any?
- Do you feel stressed out?
- Are you becoming ill?
- Did you eat at the same time or did you eat something different?
Your blood sugar levels can be impacted by each of these items. This enables you to see the true situation in greater depth. With today’s advanced technology, you can use the information you get to control your diabetes in more efficient ways.
Mobile Applications
These days, there’s a mobile app for almost anything you do. Your Accu-Chek Aviva Connect meter’s data can be automatically collected by mobile apps like the Accu-Chek Connect App. To assist in determining the overall amount of carbohydrates in your meals, you can also utilize the app to upload pictures of your meals.
Another noteworthy app for diabetics is Glooko, which collects blood sugar data from your meter and arranges it into a chart that you can view on your smartphone as part of a diary.
The way the MySugr logbook app functions is by gathering, displaying, and evaluating your blood sugar readings, total carbohydrates, meals you eat, and other relevant data. Another app that can assist ensure you never forget to monitor your blood sugar is called Glucose Buddy.
It uses notifications and reminders to accomplish this. Additionally, you can use it to log in and monitor your A1c, insulin, total carbohydrates, levels, and prescriptions.
You may significantly improve the way you manage your diabetes by using one of the numerous available smartphone apps. It’s never been simpler to remain current with all of this information at your fingertips.
Having a Working Pancreas
You have the same role as a fully functional pancreas, regardless of whether you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes. As I freely admit, this is not an easy job and there are moments when it seems unachievable. However, you don’t have to be overwhelmed by these difficulties even if they might occasionally.
Tracking your blood sugar readings is now simpler than ever thanks to the abundance of information and readily available mobile technologies. Sharing this data with your doctor and the diabetic care team can also be helpful, as it can help you identify patterns or areas where adjustments may be necessary. They might be able to give you a new pair of eyes that can notice something you are currently unable to.
Together with your healthcare team, decide which treatments might be most effective. When it comes to your next appointment, knowing how to interpret the information about your blood sugar levels will be very beneficial. This demonstrates to the physician that you are managing your diabetes in a healthy way.
In summary
It’s one thing for a patient to follow their doctor’s instructions to the letter, but since diabetes is a condition that never goes away, it’s even more important for a patient to make a concerted effort to educate themselves on their problems. This will help them manage their diabetes as effectively as possible.
DiabetesCouncils Article | Reviewed by Dr. Sergii Vasyliuk MD on September 11, 2018
Links for Reference:
- https://diatribe.org/issues/50/thinking-like-a-pancreas
- https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/managing-diabetes/know-blood-sugar-numbers
- https://libertymedical.com/meter-accuracy-factors-that-influence-your-blood-glucose-results/
- https://intermountainhealthcare.org/services/diabetes-endocrinology/treatment-and-detection-methods/blood-glucose-testing/
- http://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes_care/blood_glucose_monitor_guide.html
Be the first to comment on "The Information Your Blood Sugar Meter Is Telling You"