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Some people think that having type two diabetes means they don’t
have to test themselves to get their blood sugar levels. This is
simply not true. While you do not have to be as diligent as the
patient with type 1 diabetes, it is still important to know where
your levels are. Your doctor should do a hemoglobin A1c test on a
regular basis for you and you should use a home monitor to self-test
every day.
The hemoglobin A1c is used to measure your blood glucose control
over a three month period. The usual testing goal for people with
diabetes is to reach less than 7%. If you are testing over 8%, your
doctor will probably suggest a change in your treatment plan. Here
are some reasons your blood sugar may be high: you are eating too
much food or eating at irregular times, you may be eating too much
of the wrong type of food, neglecting your exercise plan, have an
increased stress level or an infection or illness. If you are on
oral medication, you may need to have the dosage adjusted.
The finger stick test is another method for monitoring your blood
sugar control. This is a test you do yourself at to check the blood
sugar levels at any given time. For those with type 2 diabetes, it
may be enough to self-test just a few times a day. It is especially
important at the beginning of the treatment plan to find the effects
of certain foods, exercise and stress on the blood sugar levels.
The easiest way to achieve blood sugar control is by eating well.
You do not have to go on a diet or stop eating sweets. A balanced,
well-planned eating treatment plan can get your blood sugar level
stabilized in a relatively short amount of time. If you add exercise
to the plan, it can be even quicker.
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