Why to monitor blood sugar level
When pancreas stops producing insulin, or when the amount of insulin produced by pancreas is not appropriate, the glucose level in the blood starts increasing, and if it is not contained within the set parameter then the increased sugar level starts affecting other vital organs like heart and kidney. It also affects eyesight, but diabetes induced nephropathy is the most serious occurrence of increased blood sugar level.
Monitoring level of sugar in blood is necessary in managing glucose level in diabetic patient, and for that one needs to keep a blood sugar monitor with him.
Why you should use a personal sugar monitor for blood sugar
A blood sugar monitor is a personal device and it should not be shared with others because the needle in the machine pricks the user’s skin and come in contact with your blood, which could result in disease transmission if the machine is shared. It is, therefore, advised to have a personal blood sugar monitor, the way one has personal toothbrush and grooming kit.
But in case you have to share the device then make sure a fresh needle is used each time the user changes. They do it so in hospitals. When exchanging needles make sure, you sterile the needle, so that anyone coming in the contact of it does not get infected by blood-borne diseases of the user.
Use MS Excel to effectively use blood sugar monitor
If you know spreadsheet software application like Microsoft Excel or Google Docs Spreadsheet then you will need to use that skill to use blood sugar monitor properly.
Make a sheet in Microsoft Excel and start recording your blood sugar level in it along side the date. Also mention if it was taken when you were fasting or if it was random. On a separate sheet you should make 2 charts; one chart should have date and blood sugar level as markers, and another should take blood sugar level and time taken (fasting, random, or after food). These two charts will tell you the movement of your blood sugar level at different times of the day.
Exercise and proper diet helps you maintain the glucose level
Having a monitor for blood sugar is not enough in managing it. All it does it tell you about the level of glucose in blood to maintain which you will need to make some changes in your lifestyle and your eating habit.
One needs to stroll for at least two kilometers daily and reduce the intake of carbohydrate to keep glucose level in control. You should eat less of bread, rice, and potato, and more of green leaves. If you are non-vegetarian than you should eat fish and white meat, but avoid eating red meat.
Lifestyle changes and proper monitoring of glucose level in blood will help you stay fit and live a happy life despite diabetes. You must make certain adjustments in your life, as proposed by the doctor, and get a blood sugar monitor to keep a tab on movement of glucose level in blood.