Glucose and Its Importance in the Body
Glucose is the main sugar in your blood, which your body uses for energy. It comes from the carbohydrates you eat. When you don't need glucose right away, your body stores it in the liver and muscle.
The Importance of Glucose Testing
Taking a glucose test is very common and often an essential part of medical testing and screening. Using a finger prick, your doctor can test the amount of glucose in your blood.
Maintaining Proper Blood Sugar Levels
If your blood sugar is high or low, you'll need to take steps to get it under control. These steps may include eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting regular blood tests to monitor your glucose levels.
Monitoring and Recording Blood Sugar Levels
Keep a record of all your blood sugar tests, and bring it with you to all appointments so that your doctor can review your results and make any needed changes in your meal plan or medicine. Use a blood glucose meter or a blood-sugar-testing kit to check your glucose levels. A blood-sugar-testing kit includes a lancing device and a strip of test strips that you prick your finger with. If you don't want to prick your finger, you can also test your blood by inserting a test strip into a urine container and then reading the strip when you urinate.
When to Get a Blood Glucose Test
Your healthcare provider will order a blood glucose test for you if you have symptoms of diabetes or other health conditions that affect your blood sugar levels. You may also need to have a blood glucose test for other reasons, like if you're taking a long-term medication that affects your glucose levels, such as corticosteroids.
The Role of Glucose in the Body
Glucose is the most important source of energy in your body. It helps your organs and muscles work, and it helps your brain function properly. It can be ingested from the foods you eat or produced synthetically in small amounts by the body.
The Role of Insulin in Glucose Regulation
Insulin is a hormone that moves glucose from the bloodstream into your cells for energy and storage. If you have diabetes, your insulin level is low or your cells don't respond to it well enough.
Using a Glucose Monitor for Blood Sugar Monitoring
A meter or a ketone test can also help you monitor your blood sugar. It uses a special sensor to measure how much sugar is in your blood. You can use a glucose monitor to track your blood sugar throughout the day, after different meals and workouts, and at night. These monitors can also give you personalized data to help you improve your diabetes management.
Tips for Managing Blood Sugar
Avoid excess sugar. Eating too much sugar can lead to spikes in your blood sugar, which can negatively impact your health and performance. It's best to limit your sugar intake to just a small amount of added sugar. Natural sugars, like those in fruits and vegetables, are healthier choices, as are natural sweeteners such as stevia and monk fruit. Excessive amounts of fat in your diet can also cause problems with your blood sugar. A balanced diet that includes protein, healthy fats, and plenty of fresh produce can help keep your glucose levels stable.
