There are now so many different types of diabetes products available that managing the disease is easier than it was many years ago. Apart from the diabetic products such as the things that you can eat and drink, you will find that there are also many more products available which are used to make diabetes monitoring easier and less invasive.
Diabetic testing is easy to do and once you have had a positive diabetes blood test, you will find that it is important to have a diabetes meter for use at home. Diabetes is a disease in which your blood glucose, or sugar, levels are too high. Glucose comes from the foods you eat. Insulin is a hormone that helps the glucose get into your cells to give them energy. With type 1 diabetes, your body does not make insulin. With type 2 diabetes, the more common type, your body does not make or use insulin well. Without enough insulin, the glucose stays in your blood.
Over time, having too much glucose in your blood can cause serious problems. It can damage your eyes, kidneys, and nerves. Diabetes can also cause heart disease, stroke and even the need to remove a limb. Pregnant women can also get diabetes, called gestational diabetes. A diabetes blood test can show if you have diabetes. Exercise, weight control and sticking to your meal plan can help control your diabetes. You should also monitor your glucose level using a home diabetes monitor and take medicine if prescribed.
How to prepare for the test
The test may be done in 2 ways:
- After you have not eaten anything for at least 8 hours (fasting)
- At any time of the day (random)
How the test will feel
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Why the test is performed
Your doctor may order this test if you have signs of diabetes. However, other tests (glucose tolerance test and fasting blood glucose test) are better for diagnosing diabetes. The blood glucose test is also used to monitor patients who have the diabetes. It may also be done if you have:
- A change in behaviour
- Fainting spells
- Seizures for the first time
Diabetes monitoring is an important part in the life of anyone who has been told that they have the disease and it is important to get as much information and help as you can about diabetes products.