Diabetes Monitoring

,Diabetics have two choices of measuring their blood sugar by Continuous Glucose Monitoring and with a Blood Sugar Meter.

Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM for short):

A continuous glucose monitor will check your blood sugar level constantly from sensors attached to the skin. Unfortunately, this monitor will still require you prick your fingers using a blood sugar meter in order to correctly calibrate your CGM. The best part about this device is that it will actually let you know when your blood sugar levels are dangerous by giving you an alarm of some sort. 

Blood Sugar Meter:

A blood sugar meter will require you to prick your finger imprinting a drop of blood on the tester strip. After a few seconds, your blood sugar level will be revealed on the device.

Checking your blood sugar levels can help you figure out what types of foods work for you and when to have certain snacks so that you can stick to a healthy diet. You can also use your blood sugar meter to understand what medications work for you and how they affect your body. Some diabetics will need to constantly monitor their blood sugar while others will only check it periodically each week. It's important to discuss this with your doctor or diabetes educator to help get you on a monitoring routine. 

Weight and Activity

Since Diabetes is a progressive disease, it is crucial that you not only monitor your blood sugar, but also your weight and activity. Are you getting enough exercise each day? Are you eating healthier foods? Are you keeping your cholesterol level low as well as your blood pressure? All of these factors affect your heart and if they are left unmonitored, you could be at higher risk of heart complications. 

Legs and Feet

Lack of blood flow to the lower half of your body can cause some nerve damage as well as some serious issues with your feet. It is highly recommended that you monitor the health of your feet every day and that you always check for any cuts or swelling, so you can catch an infection before it spreads.