Managing Diabetes: Important Tests and Exams

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Good Morning!

 

Managing Diabetes: Important Tests and Exams

 

Blood Test: A1c (glycosylated hemoglobin) At least 2 times a year if

stable

Quarterly, if treatment changes or you are not meeting your goals.

 

Urine Test: Microalbumin measurement - yearly (based on the HEDIS

Diabetes Criteria)

 

Foot Exam: Check feet at each regular diabetes visit

Comprehensive foot exam - at least yearly ( more often in patients

with high risk foot conditions.

 

Eye Exam: Dilated eye exam - yearly

 

Weight: Each regular diabetes visit

 

Blood pressure: each regular diabetes visit.

 

Most people who have diabetes know they should be testing their blood

sugar on a regular basis. However, many of them do not realize what

the numbers mean and simply go through the motions of testing.

Without realizing when to test and how important these numbers

actually are.

 

There are three distinctly different times of day to consider testing

blood sugars. First thing in the morning, before meals, and after

meal blood sugar numbers can each reveal a wealth of information to

help solve the mystery of blood sugar numbers.

 

First thing in the morning is known as a FASTING blood sugar. It

should be taken soon after rising; before food, drink, exercise, or

medications of any kind.

 

Normal is less than 100

 

Goal is 70 - 115

 

A before meal blood sugar is known as PREPRANDIAL. This means before

lunch or before supper. At this point in your day, you've usually

had something to eat and drink, you've usually had some activity or

exercise, and you've probably taken some type of medications. All

these things can effect your blood sugar numbers. This is different

than a FASTING blood sugar test taken before breakfast, medications,

or exercise.

 

Normal is less than 100

 

Goal is 100 - 120

 

An after meal blood sugar is known as POSTPRANDIAL and means after a

meal. Timing is important on this reading because it should be taken

1 ½ hours to 2 hours after a meal.

 

Normal less than 140

 

Goal less than 160

 

Keep on top of your exams and numbers and you will better your

chances for optimal health.

 

 

Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac.

Peacefulmind.com

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