Diabetic Testing: The Facts Pertaining to Diabetes

Living with diabetes is a tough journey. It can feel like a never-ending battle, from blood sugar spikes to insulin shots. However, one of the most important things you must do as a diabetic patient is test your blood sugar.

Although testing your blood sugar frequently may feel uncomfortable and tedious, knowing your glucose levels can help you prevent further complications.

Here are the facts about diabetes and the importance of diabetic testing.

What is Diabetes?

Diabetes is a disease in which the body either doesn’t produce enough insulin (Type 1) or cannot effectively use the insulin it does produce (Type 2). Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood. When insulin is absent or ineffective, blood glucose levels can become too high, leading to diabetes.

Why is Diabetic Testing Important?

Regular blood glucose testing is crucial for managing diabetes. It helps you understand how different factors—like food, physical activity, medication, and stress—affect your blood glucose levels. This knowledge can help you make informed decisions about your diet, physical activity, and medication to better manage your diabetes.

Types of Diabetic Testing

There are several types of tests used to monitor and diagnose diabetes:

• Fasting Plasma Glucose Test: This test measures your blood sugar after an overnight fast. A fasting blood sugar level of less than 100 mg/dL is normal, while a level from 100 to 125 mg/dL is considered prediabetes, and a level of 126 mg/dL or higher on two separate tests indicates diabetes.

• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: This test involves fasting overnight and then drinking a sugary liquid. Your blood sugar levels are then tested periodically for the next two hours. A blood sugar level of less than 140 mg/dL is normal, and a reading of more than 200 mg/dL after two hours indicates diabetes.

• Random (also called Casual) Plasma Glucose Test: This test is a blood check at any time of the day when you have severe diabetes symptoms. A blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL or higher indicates diabetes.

• A1C Test: This test provides a snapshot of your blood sugar levels over the past two to three months. An A1C level below 5.7% is considered normal, while a level between 5.7% and 6.4% is considered prediabetes, and a level of 6.5% or higher on two separate tests indicates diabetes.

There are several ways to test blood glucose levels. One of the most common is through a process called a fingerstick, which involves pricking your finger with a small needle to collect a small amount of blood on a test strip. This blood glucose level reading can determine whether your blood sugar level is within the normal range or if you need to take certain measures to regulate it.

Other methods of diabetic testing include fingerstick testing and continuous glucose monitoring, which involves a device worn on the body that tracks glucose levels throughout the day. These devices provide real-time glucose readings by measuring the glucose in the interstitial fluid (the fluid between your cells).

There are several key diabetes testing supplies required for effective diabetes testing and management. These include:

• Blood Glucose Meters: These devices measure glucose concentration in a drop of blood. Brands like EASYMAX® and CONTOUR® offer high-quality blood glucose meters with accurate readings.

• Test Strips: Diabetes test strips are used in conjunction with a blood glucose meter. They absorb the blood sample and are then read by the meter to give a glucose level reading.

• Lancets and Lancing Devices: Lancets are small, sharp objects used to puncture the skin and obtain a blood sample. The lancing device controls the depth and speed of the lancet’s penetration to minimize discomfort.

• Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs): CGMs are small devices that involve inserting a tiny sensor under your skin, typically on your abdomen, or arm that checks your blood glucose levels at any time. CGMs help you understand how meals, physical activity, and medications affect your blood glucose.

CGMs, such as the FreeStyle Libre from Abbott and Dexcom, enable real-time tracking of blood glucose levels, eliminating the need for routine fingerstick testing.

Diabetic Testing Supplies at Americare Diabetes

Having access to quality diabetes testing supplies is crucial for effective diabetes testing and management. At Americare Diabetes Services, we offer a wide range of diabetes testing supplies from well-known brands like EASYMAX®, Abbott, and CONTOUR®. We also provide free shipping nationwide, making it convenient for individuals to get the supplies they need.

To learn more about diabetic testing or to access the supplies, contact our friendly staff today at (866) 400-9565.