What is SMBG?

SMBG is self-monitoring of blood glucose. Using a blood glucose monitor to do SMBG testing can help you improve control of your sugar levels. The results you get from an SMBG test can help you make appropriate adjustments to your medicine, diet and/or level of physical activity. Every person with diabetes should have a blood glucose monitor and know how to use it.

How often should I do SMBG testing?
Your family doctor will recommend how often you should test. Testing times are based on the kind of medicine you take and on how well your sugar levels are controlled.

What time of day should I test?
Recommendations for the best time of day to test your blood sugar depend on your medicine, mealtimes and sugar control. On the chart below, your doctor will check the times when you should test your sugar. Your doctor may also suggest different goals, depending on your situation.

Check your blood sugar if:

    * You have symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia),which include dizziness, shaking, sweating, chills and confusion
    * You have symptoms of high blood sugar (hyperglycemia),which include sleepiness, blurred vision, frequent urination and excessive thirst
    * You need to learn how meals, physical activity and medicine affect your blood sugar level
    * You have a job in which poor blood sugar control could cause safety problems
    * You need help deciding if it is safe to drive or perform other tasks that require concentration if you are taking insulin or have had hypoglycemia in the past

Reasons to check your blood sugar more frequently:

    * If your diabetes medicine changes
    * If you begin taking other kinds of medicines
    * If you change your diet
    * If your exercise routine or activity level changes
    * If your level of stress increases
    * If you are sick. When you are sick, even without eating, your sugar levels may run high, so testing is important.

Follow your doctor's testing recommendations during this time. Continue testing more often until you have maintained your SMBG goal values for at least 1 week, or until your doctor advises you that more frequent testing is no longer necessary.

SOURCE: www.familydoctor.org