Tests to Measure Blood Sugar

Posted: Nov. 1, 2004

To control your diabetes, you must know your blood sugar (also called blood glucose) numbers. Regular testing can help you track your blood sugar numbers to see if they stay close to normal or go up and down.

Testing your blood sugar helps you see how well you are balancing your food intake, physical activity, medicine and stress. It’s the only way to know for sure whether you are controlling your diabetes.

If your blood sugar levels are too high or too low, you need to work with your health care provider to change your treatment plan and reach your target level of control.

There are two types of blood sugar tests to manage your diabetes. One is the hemoglobin A1c test (also called H-b-A-one-c), which is given by a health care provider. It measures the average amount of sugar in your blood over an extended period of time.

The other is a finger-stick test you can do yourself using a blood glucose meter to measure your blood sugar at the time of the test.

Hemoglobin A1c test
The hemoglobin A1c is a laboratory blood test that all people with diabetes should have on a regular basis. The test shows your average blood sugar level over the past three months. The test is conducted by taking a small amount of blood and measuring the amount of sugar attached to the hemoglobin in your red blood cells. Results are given in percentages.

If your results show that your blood sugar is normal or close to normal and stable, you should have the hemoglobin A1c test at least twice a year. If your treatment changes (for example, you start taking a new medicine or change your diet) or if your blood sugar stays too high, you should get the test every three months until your blood sugar level improves.

Hemoglobin A1c testing goal
The hemoglobin A1c goal for people with diabetes is less than 7 percent. But, if you can lower your hemoglobin A1c number by any amount, you will improve your chances of staying healthy. A change in treatment is almost always needed if the hemoglobin A1c is over 8 percent.

Finger-stick test using a blood glucose meter
This test tells you the level of sugar in your blood at the time of the test. Results are given in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dl).

Ask your health care provider about the best blood sugar goal for you. Ideal finger-stick testing goals for people with diabetes are:

Before meals: 90-130 mg/dl
At bedtime: 110-150 mg/dl

Know your blood sugar numbers
For people with diabetes, keeping blood sugar levels normal or close to normal can make a big difference in their overall health.

In the short run, people with diabetes who take control will:

• Feel better.
• Stay healthy.
• Have more energy.
• Prevent the symptoms of high blood sugar.

In the long run, people with diabetes who take control will:

• Lower their chances of having diabetes problems such as eye disease, kidney disease, and nerve damage.
• People with diabetes who keep their blood sugar levels normal or close to normal for life are predicted to gain, on average:
• 5 extra years of life
• 8 more years of eyesight
• 6 years free from kidney disease
• 6 years free from amputations and nerve damage

Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

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