Diabetes Management
3 Common Mistakes to Avoid While Blood Sugar Testing
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By Apollo 24|7, Published on - 13 September 2023, Updated on - 14 September 2023
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Keeping an eye on your habits, embracing lifestyle adjustments and incorporating regular exercise, are essential steps in mitigating the risk of disease for individuals living with diabetes. The ability to conduct self-blood sugar testing, which helps prevent severe complications and promotes a stress-free life, is important too. Nevertheless, individuals frequently find themselves making errors during this monitoring process. In this blog post, we'll explore three common blood sugar testing mistakes that you must avoid to ensure precise monitoring and the effective management of your health.
1. Pricking the Same Finger Daily
Repeatedly using the same finger for daily blood sugar tests can lead to discomfort or minor injury. To prevent this, you can alternate fingers from either hand when conducting blood sugar level tests.
2. Improper Hand Hygiene
Always begin by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water, ensuring they are completely dry. Leftover residues from food or other substances on your fingers can contaminate the test strip, leading to inaccurate results.
3. Testing Right After Eating
Testing your blood sugar right after having a meal or a snack might give you a high reading on your glucometer. Testing fasting blood sugar and before eating would likely be more accurate. If you wish to test after eating, it is advisable to wait for two hours after eating.
Conclusion
Maintaining accurate blood sugar testing is pivotal for effective diabetes management. Avoiding these common mistakes will empower you to take better control of your condition and collaborate effectively with your healthcare team to make informed decisions regarding your diet, medication, and lifestyle. You should reach out to your healthcare provider for guidance and support if you have any questions or concerns regarding your blood sugar testing.
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A low-carb diet is characterised by the reduced intake of carbohydrates and increased consumption of protein and healthier fats. Most low-carb diets limit carbohydrates to less than 130g per day. Scientific evidence indicates that low-carb diets can positively impact health indicators such as triglycerides, cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood glucose levels, leading to their popularity and adoption for several decades.
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Effective diabetes management involves being aware of what not to eat. Avoid sugary beverages, snacks, and sweets, while also limiting white bread, fried foods, and full-fat dairy. Processed meats, sweetened condiments, high-sugar cereals, and alcohol should be consumed in moderation. Opting for healthier alternatives can help control blood sugar levels and reduce the risks associated with diabetes. It's essential to seek guidance from healthcare professionals or dietitians to create a personalised diabetes management plan that suits your unique needs and goals.
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