Monitoring Blood Glucose Levels

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Monitoring Blood Glucose Levels

Maintaining normal blood glucose levels greatly reduces the risk of

experiencing complications due to diabetes. Whether an individual has

Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, regular use of a glucose monitor to

determine blood sugar levels will help determine what adjustments to

diet, oral medications, or insulin injections may be necessary to

achieve good control.

What's Glucose?

Glucose is a simple form of sugar. Dextrose, fructose, sucrose and

other forms of sugar are broken down into glucose so the body can use

it for energy or store it for later use.

What Does Insulin Do?

In a normally functioning body, the intake of food triggers the

release of a corresponding amount of insulin. As food is digested, the

bloodstream carries the nutrients to the various cells where insulin

"unlocks" the door and allows the cells to use the glucose. With

diabetes, the body is unable to make or properly use insulin so sugar

remains in the bloodstream.

Chemistry involved in normal regulation of blood sugar.Normal Blood

Glucose Levels

Blood sugar levels are considered within the normal range when they

measure between 80 and 120 mg/dl after fasting.

The goal is to keep blood sugar levels as close to normal as possible.

Low blood sugar can occur suddenly. Its symptoms can include

dizziness, shakiness, weakness, sweating, nervousness, irritability

and hunger. Left untreated, low blood sugar can lead to convulsions

and unconsciousness. High blood sugar levels may lead to long-term

complications, including damage to eyes, kidneys, nerves, and blood

vessels, or to a more immediate adverse ev...

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...h care team can help you choose the birth

control method that's best for you.

PREGNANCY: women who use insulin often have to increase their insulin

dose over the course of pregnancy to maintain tight control of glucose

levels. Some women need to increase their dose considerably,

especially in the last trimester because pregnancy releases hormones

that create insulin resistance. This increase in insulin resistance is

normal. You and your health care team should decide how to change your

insulin schedule and dose. After delivery, your blood glucose levels

may swing unpredictably because your hormone levels and general body

chemistry are still in flux. You may require less insulin for the

first three to four weeks. If you find that keeping good blood glucose

control is difficult, talk it over with your health care team.

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