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Self Monitoring

What is Self Monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG) ?

Self monitoring of blood glucose means using blood glucose meter to check and track your own blood sugar levels. Being able to check your blood sugar levels on a day to day basis can greatly improve your diabetes control. Today’s meter can measure your blood sugar quickly and easily.

The value of Testing

• Testing enables you to see how certain food, activities, and situation may impact your blood glucose levels.

• It can also help you and your diabetes care team evaluate how effective, or ineffective, a new treatment routine or change in medication is.

• For people who take insulin, self – testing allows for more accurate dosage adjustment.

When should I test my blood sugar?

A good way to start understanding your body’s reaction to food, activity is to do a 7 point check. This check does not have to be done every day, but is done every few months to keep track of your diabetes, when you change medication, or are experiencing a major lifestyle change.

The recommended timings are

• Before break fast – this is called the fasting blood glucose. Fasting means you have not had any food 8 hrs ago.

• 1-2 hours after breakfast – this is called the postprandial blood glucose (PPBG)

• Before lunch

• 1-2 hrs after lunch

• Before dinner

• 1-2 hrs after dinner

• Before bedtime

Testing for people who are NOT diagnosed with diabetes

Many people think that they do not need to test their blood sugar, especially if they are not diagnosed with diabetes yet. The true value of blood glucose testing may well be the most effective in testing the blood glucose of those with the strong family history of diabetes; has glucose impairment or those who possess any of the risks for type 2 diabetes.

Prevention is always better than cure. Therefore, if the blood sugar level is slightly elevated or hovering on the border line, there may be benefit in regular testing of blood sugar to keep track of a potential situation.

Blood Glucose Testing is most Effective in people with...

Diabetes identification	Family History of diabetes	Risks for Type 2 Diabetes

Non insulin-treated patients at increased risk of developing hypoglycaemia and /or are vulnerable to injury from hypoglycaemia All patients who have failed to meet glycaemic targets SMBG is best for All insulin-treated patients All pregnant patients with pre-existing diabetes or Gestational Diabetes.