At the heart of good diabetes management is blood sugar monitoring. Though it isn't fun to routinely check your blood glucose levels several times a day, it is vital to part of taking care of yourself. Learn all of the essential information you need to know about monitoring your blood, what affects fluctuations in your glucose and devices you can use to test.
Not all blood sugar meters are the same. They vary in size, shape, memory capacity, size of blood sample needed and technology for uploading to your computer of doctor's office. What components do you look for when choosing a blood sugar meter? What features would you recommend and why?
Your hemoglobin A1c is considered an important part of your overall glucose management. But, some people don't think it is helpful. How about you? Do you get an A1c test at least two times a year? If so, do you find that benchmark helpful in managing your diabetes? If not, explain why you don't find it helpful.
Diabetes travel kits are needed whether you are traveling weeks at a time away from home or out for an afternoon of errands. The need to have these supplies with you at all times cannot be emphasized enough. Learn what you need and be prepared for the unexpected.
Estimated Average Glucose (eAG) is a new concept that allows you to take your A1c test results and convert them into numbers like you see on your glucose meter. Learn more how you can make these easy calculations.
The hemoglobin A1c test is a vital part of managing your type 1 diabetes. This test, also commonly referred to as A1c, is a measure of your blood sugar control over the past 2-3 months. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the A1c test.
Using a blood glucose meter is not optional for someone with type 1 diabetes. But all meters are not created equal. The goal is to find the one that best fits your needs and lifestyle. Learn what questions you should ask before you buy your meter.
One of the first things you learn to do after being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes is to check you blood sugar levels. Why? Because effective management of your diabetes depends on frequent testing. Learn why testing your blood is important and ways you can get your testing meter at low cost or even free.
Fortunately, there are many types of blood glucose meters available today. In fact, there are so many it can be hard to choose. DiabetesNet makes the process of choosing a little easier by providing a comprehensive lineup of current glucose meters along with important information for each one.
Blood glucose monitoring is the cornerstone of good diabetes management. Learn how to perform a blood glucose test and why glucose testing is so important in this informative article from About.com.
Keeping accurate records of your glucose readings will help you to better manage your diabetes and also help your doctor adjust your insulin and solve problems associated with fluctuating glucose levels. The National Diabetes Education Program offers a sample glucose log that you can print for easy recording of your glucose results.
The HbA1c test measures your blood glucose levels for the past 60 to 90 days and is an important part of your overall diabetes management. Learn how this test is performed and how to interpret your scores in this article from About.com.
The American Diabetes Association (ADA) is promoting a new term called "Estimated Average Glucose." It is the number of the standard A1c test (also known as glycated hemoglobin or HbA1c) converted into your average blood glucose levels like you see on your glucose meter. The ADA has a hand conversion chart and an online calculator for more specific conversions.
