Before meal | Before bed | Self-checks
Before each meal requiring insulin
For what? Data on blood glucose and knowledge about the amount of carbohydrates (XE, grams) per serving of food will help you calculate the correct dose of insulin.
Before bed
To reduce the likelihood of developing hypoglycemia.
The dose of insulin for dinner may not be calculated correctly and blood glucose in the evening may drop or rise to undesirable values.
A decrease in blood glucose can also occur after physical activity and alcohol consumption.
Measuring glucose more often if you are trying to understand:
- Are your ratios (carbohydrate coefficient and insulin sensitivity coefficient) calculated correctly?
- How does insulin work in your body?
- What amount of carbohydrates “covers” 1 unit of insulin?
- How much does 1 unit of insulin lower your blood glucose level?
Assess your blood glucose before eating, 1.5-2 hours after eating (during pregnancy, 1 hour) and, if necessary, at night.
Self-checks
Self-checks should also be done in the following situations.
- Pregnancy. When there is an increased risk of low blood glucose values (hypoglycemia, blood glucose ≤ 3.9 mmol / L): – before, during and after exercise; – after drinking alcohol.
- If you have a Flu, temperature, SARS or stress, then additional measurements – every 3-4 hours.
- Any unusual sensations are a reason to check your blood glucose level. It may be too low or high.
If insulin doses have been changed, the insulin preparation has been changed, there has been a switch to the insulin pump – measure glucose levels before, after meals and at bedtime, if necessary – at night.
- Your lifestyle has changed. For example, you got a daily job. Measure glucose more often to understand what’s going on in your body.
- Before driving a vehicle. Hypoglycemia (blood glucose ≤ 3.9 mmol / L) while driving – is dangerous for the driver and other road users.