Best Practices for Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels

Everyone with diabetes should monitor their blood sugar regularly. This includes people with both type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes, along with those living with gestational diabetes or any of the less common types of diabetes. In some instances, those with prediabetes may also be told to measure blood sugar levels, depending on recommendations from their doctor. But what are the best ways to monitor blood sugar levels and optimize diabetes care? Here, we'll go over a few best practices to help you measure blood glucose levels.

The Importance of Monitoring Blood Sugar Levels

Monitoring blood sugar levels is one of the most essential tools for managing diabetes. It provides you with real-time insights about how your body is responding to food, physical activity, medications, stress, sleep, and more. While there are several different ways to check your blood glucose levels, doing so has several notable benefits. Some of these include:

• Strengthens your ability to catch episodes of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) before they become more serious.
• Gives you insight as to when to eat, whether it's safe to exercise, and how much insulin or diabetes medications to take.
• Allows you to recognize patterns and trends over time (e.g., high readings in the mornings or after certain meals).
• Supports long-term health by reducing the risk of diabetes-related complications.
• Enhances communication with diabetes specialists and other healthcare providers.

Regular blood sugar monitoring can also be quite empowering for many people living with diabetes. It turns an invisible process into something you can measure, understand, and act on, which can help complement a practical diabetes self-management plan.

Different Methods for Blood Sugar Monitoring

Living with diabetes means that it's essential to monitor your blood sugar levels throughout the day, but there are a few different ways to do that. Most commonly, this involves taking a small drop of blood from the fingertip and putting it into a glucose meter for readings. However, with advancements in technology, there are easier ways. The most common methods for checking blood glucose levels throughout the day include the following:

Finger Stick Glucose Meters

As mentioned, this is the most traditional method that involves pricking the tip of your finger with a small needle called a lancet. Once blood appears, it's placed against a test strip within a blood glucose meter. Seconds later, your blood sugar levels are displayed.

The biggest drawback is that the blood sugar meter only shows your levels at one moment in time. This means you need to test your blood sugar with a finger prick several times throughout the day, depending on your diabetes care plan. Although they're still a standard option for managing diabetes, your doctor may recommend an alternative method based on your lifestyle and overall treatment plan.

Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs)

A continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is a small, wearable device that tracks your blood sugar levels in real time. Instead of pricking your finger multiple times a day, a CGM uses a tiny sensor inserted just under the skin, usually on the abdomen or upper arm, to measure glucose in the fluid between your cells (interstitial fluid). The sensor sends this data wirelessly to a receiver, smartphone, or insulin pump, allowing you to see your glucose trends at a glance. They typically provide readings every few minutes, 24/7.

Flash Glucose Monitoring

These are similar to CGMs, except that they don't automatically send data to a receiver or phone. Instead, you need to scan the sensor using a handheld reader or smartphone to check current glucose levels.

Best Practices for Monitoring Blood Sugar

Regardless of the type of method you use for blood glucose monitoring, there are a few best practices that can help you get the most accurate results and use that data effectively. Some of these include the following:

Create a Consistent Routine

Checking your blood sugar at the exact times each day can help establish a clear picture of how your body responds to different factors (e.g., food, exercise, etc.). Standard testing times include:

• Fasting (first thing in the morning)
• Before and after meals
• Before bed
• During symptoms of low or high blood sugar
• Occasionally, during the night (especially if on insulin)

Follow your doctor’s individualized plan, as they’ll recommend the best testing schedule based on your treatment, lifestyle, and health goals.

Keep a Blood Sugar Log

Tracking your results is also important for identifying trends and making informed decisions. This also provides you with information to show your doctor or diabetes educator. You can record information using a physical journal or in a convenient digital diabetes management app. If you have a CGM, data will typically automatically be stored in your smartphone for easier access and review.

Understand Your Target Ranges

Blood sugar goals can vary. However, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) common targets for many adults with diabetes include:

• A1C: Less than 7%
• A1C (may also be reported as eAG): Less than 154 mg/dL
• Fasting (before meals): 80–130 mg/dL
• 1–2 hours after meals: Less than 180 mg/dL

Your targets may differ depending on your age, other medical conditions, pregnancy status, or risk of hypoglycemia. Always talk with your doctor to identify personalized ranges.

Calibrate (If Needed) and Maintain Equipment

Some CGMs require periodic calibration using fingerstick readings to ensure accuracy. Even if your device is factory-calibrated, it’s important to:

• Store test strips and sensors according to the manufacturer’s instructions
• Replace lancets after each use to prevent infection
• Clean and disinfect your glucometer or CGM reader regularly
• Check expiration dates on all supplies

It's also important to note that you should never share diabetes testing supplies. If you need to prick your finger, the lancet should be disposed of after each use; they are only designed for single use. Blood glucose meters are also designed for individual use and should not be shared among more than one person. You'll also need to clean and disinfect it after each use. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact your doctor.

Learn to Troubleshoot Inaccurate Blood Glucose Readings

If you get a reading that seems unusually high or low based on your history or how you're feeling, it may be due to:

• Dirty or wet hands
• Expired or improperly stored test strips
• Dehydration or recent alcohol consumption
• Anemia or other health conditions
• Sensor calibration issues or data lag with CGMs

When in doubt, repeat the test using a clean finger and a new test strip. If your CGM is giving frequent inaccuracies, consult your device manufacturer or healthcare provider for troubleshooting support.

How to Check Your Blood Sugar During Illness or Stress

Illness, infections, or emotional stress can all cause blood sugar to rise, even if you're eating less than usual. During these times:

• Check your blood sugar more frequently than usual
• Follow the sick-day management plan given by your doctor
• Stay hydrated and monitor for ketones if you have Type 1 diabetes
• Contact your healthcare provider if your blood sugar remains high or you're unsure what to do

You can read more about how to manage diabetes when you're sick here.

Tips for Traveling or Changing Time Zones

Traveling with diabetes requires extra planning, especially if you cross time zones. To stay on track:

• Adjust your testing and medication schedule gradually when changing time zones
• Pack more supplies than you think you’ll need, including batteries, test strips, sensors, and snacks
• Keep medications and monitoring equipment in your carry-on bag
• Be prepared for airport security by bringing a doctor’s note and separating medical items for easy screening

It's also important to schedule an appointment with your doctor before taking off for your trip. This gives you the best opportunity to check in on your health and have your questions answered.

When to See Your Doctor

Monitoring your blood sugar is one of the most powerful tools you have for managing diabetes. However, if you're running into issues or having a hard time with your current monitoring equipment, schedule an appointment with your diabetes doctor. There are hundreds of great products available from leading manufacturers, so you're bound to find the perfect fit.

If you need reliable diabetes supplies, including glucose meters, test strips, lancets, or CGM systems, Byram Healthcare is here to help. Order diabetes supplies online today or contact us to learn more.