While certain lifestyle practices can put you at risk of diabetes, no one sets out to be diabetic. It is a manageable condition and most people live long, happy lives, but there’s a dark side to it all. From medical expenses to dietary restrictions and having to stick yourself with insulin daily, diabetes can impact your overall quality of life.

There has been talk about weight loss reversing diabetes so we wanted to have a quick discussion on the issue so that you can understand the benefits of weight loss and if you can truly cure your diabetes. Have a look at these 7 quick diabetes facts so we can get down to business.

7 Quick Diabetes Facts

1. Diabetes is a condition in which the body does not produce enough insulin or is unable to use the insulin that is produced effectively.

2. Diabetes is sometimes called “sugar” because it causes sugar from the food you eat to accumulate in the blood.

3. Diabetes can either be Type 1 or Type 2. Type 1 diabetes, sometimes referred to as insulin-dependent diabetes typically begins during childhood. It is an autoimmune condition where antibodies attack the pancreas leaving it unable to produce necessary insulin. Type 2 diabetes, otherwise called non-insulin-dependent diabetes, happens later in life. 90% of persons who have diabetes have Type 2 diabetes as their pancreas doesn’t make enough insulin or the body doesn’t use it effectively (insulin resistance).

4. According to the CDC , over 100 million Americans are either diabetic or prediabetic. Of this total, 30.2 million or 9.4% of Americans are diabetic and more than a third, or 84 million, have prediabetes which can lead to diabetes if it goes untreated.

5. African Americans are nearly twice as likely to develop diabetes than White Americans and Hispanic Americans.

6. Diabetes can cause complications such as amputation, blindness, kidney disease, heart disease, and stroke.

7. Diabetes ranks number 7 as a leading cause of death in the United States. The death rate for African Americans living with diabetes is 27% higher than whites.

The link between diabetes and obesity

For starters, not everyone who doesn’t have the body of a Victoria’s Secret model is obese. There are certain requirements to be met before someone can be ruled as obese.

Obesity is defined as a medical condition in which a person has excess fat in their body. This puts the person at an increased risk of certain health conditions. To determine if someone is obese, a quick calculation called a body mass index (BMI) is carried out, by measuring their fat composition relative to that of someone of the same or similar sex, age, and height.

If the results are below 18.5, that person is underweight. If the results are between 18.5 and 24.9, that person has a healthy weight for someone of their sex, age, and height. Where the BMI is between 25.0 and 29.9, the person will be considered overweight. A value between 30.9 and 39.9 belongs to a moderately obese person. If the value exceeds 40, that person is severely or morbidly obese.

Obesity can be caused by different factors and is widely thought to be the result of overeating. However, genetics can play a role, along with certain medical conditions and a sedentary lifestyle.

Surely you’ve heard that overweight and obese persons are more likely to develop diabetes. This is true. This happens because of an increase in fatty acids and inflammation which causes insulin resistance.

Excess abdominal fat causes a release of inflammatory proteinsand chemicals such as nonesterified fatty acids, cytokines, glycerol, proinflammatory makers and other substances. Thesereduce the body’s sensitivity to insulin by blocking insulin receptors which causes what we call insulin resistance. Obesity may also change the way the body metabolizes fat and can cause fat molecules to be released into the blood which can also affect insulin-responsive cells.

This does not mean that all obese persons have diabetes, but there is a strong link. Roughly 90% of all persons with Type 2 diabetes are obese. This should be enough to convince you to take weight loss more seriously, but can losing weight reverse diabetes?

Can losing weight reverse diabetes?

To date, there is no cure for diabetes and persons who have it have to consistently manage it to avoid serious health complications. There have been claims that you can reverse diabetes through weight loss, and there is some truth to that.

Remember what we said earlier about excess fat causing insulin resistance? Well, if there are less fat cells to cause insulin resistance, the insulin your body produces will be more effective and can potentially put your diabetes into remission, i.e, cause the symptoms and side effects of diabetes to decrease or stop completely for some time. Some of these symptoms include extreme thirst and hunger, frequent urination, fatigue, slow healing wounds, blurry visions, frequent UTIs and vaginal infections . Being in remission does not mean you are cured since the symptoms can return.

In one study that was conducted on this matter of nearly 300 persons with Type 2 diabetes, participants were either asked to stop taking their prescribed medication and subscribe to a new diet or to continue taking their medicine. This diet aimed to help persons lose 33 pounds or more on 825-853 calories a day for three to five months. This was followed by two to eight weeksof a regular diet combined with education and behavioral therapy to help them learn more about what they put into their bodies and to curb certain habits.

After a year of tracking, the results were that 86% persons on this diet lost over 33 pounds , while those who had stuck to medication lost an average of 2 pounds. 46% of the diet group went into remission while 4% of the medication group experienced remission.

This study can be supported by other research that has found that weight loss and other lifestyle changes can, in fact, bring about remission and “reversal”. It is important to note that this strategy is more effective in persons newly diagnosed with diabetes as long-term poorly managed diabetes will result in the death of insulin-producing cells which cannot be reactivated. This may not be the only issue since untreated diabetes can cause other underlying conditions that even weight loss cannot fix.

With this being said, let’s move into the 5 ways we promised that would help you to lose weight.

5 things you can do to shed pounds

Saying you want to lose weight and actually losing weight are two completely different things. You can have the desire, but you have to put in the effort and be dedicated to achieve it.

Weight loss will not only help you to manage and possibly reverse your diabetes but will also help to boost your confidence, increase your life expectancy and help with your fitness level.  To be successful, you need to make sure you choose a plan that you stick to long term.

1. Exercise

Exercise is crucial to any weight loss regimen since it helps to shed pounds faster and transform you to the size you desire.

If you aren’t faced with restrictions such as stress incontinence  or prolapse , be sure to include a wide range of workouts to target the entire body. This should include :

• Strength/resistance training to build muscle, preserve bone mass and increase strength• Endurance to improve breathing and lung capacity, promote good heart health and boost mood• Balance to prevent falls and fractures, improve posture and steadiness.• Flexibility and stretch the muscles and keep them limber, give you more freedom of movement and prevent bone disease.

If you have a condition that prevents you from overexerting yourself, there are still plenty of exercises for you such as cardio, resistance training activities and balance exercises .

Finding the right workout regimen might take some time and if you are a newbie you’ll probably be better off enlisting the help to a trainer that will teach you proper technique and keep you motivated.

2. Diet

Diet is one of the major components of weight loss since what you eat determines how much fat you’ll have in your body. Eating a well-balanced diet is key to maintaining a healthy weight and getting all the necessary nutrients your body needs.

When it comes to a weight loss diet, you may want to reduce caloric intake and stray from the recommended amount for someone of your age and sex This diet should, of course, be nutritious, and it doesn’t mean you should feed on flavorlesscrackers and green tea.

The diet should include all you need to keep your body going and should in no way compromise yourself. If you are on a diet that leaves you feeling weak or hungry all the time, that is a bad diet.

There’s no shortage of diets to try so you’ll need to do some research before you subscribe to any particular diet. Here are a few to consider:

• Keto diet• Paleo diet• Vegan diet• Blood type diet• South beach diet• Mediterranean diet• Raw food diet

3. Lifestyle changes

Certain lifestyle practices play a part in how much you weigh. Some of these include:

• Sedentary lifestyle- If you have a desk job or are a couch potato, it’s easy for you to gain weight since you aren’t active. Try walking to lunch instead of driving or taking a cab, or taking a job around the block daily if you work from home. If you don’t want to leave home, try a home workout video.

• Eating out – A fast-paced life means you probably don’t have the time to make homecooked meals, and if you do, they’re prepackaged or highly processed. Fast food has beenscientifically proven to lead to weight gain and obesity especially since they are made with a lot of fats and sugars that make them appetizing. Skip out on fast food and meal prep if you don’t have the time to make lunch every morning. If you must eat out, choose restaurants that use all-natural ingredients and are health-oriented.

• Drinking alcohol- Beer guts are a real thing and if you drink enough alcohol to cause weight gain, perhaps the gut will be the least of your problems. Weight gain from alcohol occurs because it is high in calories, hinders the body from burning fat, causes hunger and leads to poor food choices. If you’re using alright as a means to cope with mental health issues, you are better off seeing a psychiatrist who will be able to help you shake this habit and perhaps prescribe you something to help with your problem.

• Comfort eating- If you eat to feel better about yourself or a situation, try to find another coping mechanism since this unhealthy habit can fuel your weight gain and diabetes. Try to learn a skill to help pass time when depressed, or take up a hobby that you can use to release stress.

4. Medication

When we say medication, we don’t mean something a sketchy woman on Facebook promises will help you drop a dress size in a week. Weight loss medication should only come from a doctor. In the case of supplements , do your research and ensure they are approved by the FDA for your own safety.

Weight loss medication can:

• Suppress hunger • Imitate feelings of fullness• Make it harder for your body to absorb fat from food• Increase the amount of fat your body burns

Your doctor will be able to advise you on how they work, and more importantly the side effects and how they may interact with your other medication.

5. Surgery

Surgery should be a last resort where all the above have failed. A sort of golden rule is to not get surgery unless it is absolutely necessary.

Weight loss surgery typically takes the form of decreasing stomach capacity or by bypassing the small intestines to reduce the number of calories the body can absorb. This approach has downtime so be prepared for bed rest, pain and strict diets.

Summary

• Diabetes can affect anyone of any sex, race or age, but it is especially prevalent in African Americans.

• Obesity puts you at an increased risk of developing diabetes and the majority of persons who are diabetic are obese.

• Weight loss can reverse diabetes by helping to put the condition in remission. It is however not a cure and medication may still be necessary to manage symptoms.

• To lose weight, you will need to exercise, diet and make lifestyle changes. You may also require medication and in severe cases surgery.

10 foods you shouldn’t be eating if you’re diabetic (and what you can swap them with)

Diabetes affects millions of people around the world, both the young and the young at heart. Having uncontrolled diabetes, or high blood sugar puts you at risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, nerve damage, certain skin disorders, and other unpleasant conditions.

Living with diabetes can be difficult since you’ll have to be mindful of what you eat and make certain lifestyle changes to ensure you live a long and healthy life. If you’ve just been diagnosed with diabetes or have a relative or friend who is diabetic, it is important to know what foods are a no-no for someone with diabetes, and what you can substitute them for.

Here’s a list of 10 foods you shouldn’t be eating if you’re diabetic:

1. French Fries

Who doesn’t love French fries? This golden, salty goodness is an ideal side, but it’s great on its own with some ketchup or melted cheese.

Hopefully, you enjoyed them while you could, because French fries are the diabetic’s worst enemy. As you already know, French fries are made from white potatoes. These are rich in carbs that break down into starch and sugar in the body. Not only that, but when they are peeled, sliced and fried in oil to become French fries, they are loaded with [toxic, inflammatory compounds] which can lead to obesity, heart disease, and cancer.

If you thought that wasn’t so bad, wait till you hear what the salt does. Salt , or sodium, causes blood pressure to increase and can cause weight gain. This compromises your immune system and increases your risk of heart disease , stroke and kidney failure.

It’s bad, we know, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up potatoes completely. Sweet potatoes are lower on the glycemic index scale than white/Irish potatoes and release sugar slowly, so it doesn’t raise blood sugar rapidly. Sweet potatoes are also rich in Vitamins A and C, and fiber. You can boil them, bake them, roast them or mash them to enjoy as a side or incorporate them into salads and other meals.

2.    Sugary Beverages

When you have diabetes, you’ll have to say goodbye to fizzy sodas and juices made from syrup or concentrate. They may be just what you need to cool off or enjoy with a slice of pizza, but sugary beverages are one of the worst things a diabetic can ingest.

For starters, sugary beverages are high in bad carbs, i.e sugars. When these are broken down in the body, they become glucose. High blood glucose, otherwise known as hyperglycemia , causes frequent urination, extreme thirst, blurred vision, and headaches. When this goes unchecked it can lead to skin disorders, nerve damage, slow healing wounds and ketoacidosis which can lead to a coma.

100% fruit juices aren’t much better honestly since they are high in sugars as well and can contribute to insulin resistance. Try switching sweet juices for water, or flavored water by dropping a few citrus fruits, herbs or berries into your pitcher. This is not only diabetes-friendly but can expose you to antioxidants and vitamins. You can also try low-fat or no-fat milk or tomato juice.

3 . Honey and Syrup

Some people prefer to sweeten their teas with honey instead of sugar because it’s natural, has more nutrients and vitamins, and you can use less to achieve the desired sweetening effect.

It turns out that honey is rich in carbs and sugar and can have a similar effect when used excessively. This goes for the syrups you use on your pancakes as well. Instead, use fresh fruit as a topper, avocado or Greek yogurt.

5 . Certain Breakfast Cereals

Cereal is a quick and easy way to get your day started. All you need is the milk and the cereal and you’re through the door in no time. What’s your favorite cereal though? Is it Lucky Charms? How about Frosted Flakes? Granola is so delicious!

If you have diabetes, then you’ll want to avoid starting your day like that. These cereals tout health claims but fail to mention that they are highly processed and have more carbs than is beneficial to you. These cereals also have added sugars, something you should be in the opposite direction of.

Swap them for oatmeal,

bran cereal or ditch cereal altogether if you can’t find one low in carbs and added sugars.

6.  Fruity Yogurt

“What’s so bad about yogurt?” is what you’re probably asking, well the answer to that is in the ingredients you see listed on the container.

Now you may see “low fat” written in bold, and that may be true, but they are generally high in carbs and sugars. This is how they achieve the fruity taste that makes them delicious.

And if you’re thinking, “Well, it’s still better than ice cream“, think again because they have just as much sugar, and sometimes even more that more than icecream .

What you can do is choose plain yogurt, the “boring kind” since it is a better snack option for diabetics. It is also filling and can help you shed pounds.

7.    White Bread

White bread is a part of many meals and is used to make sandwiches or served as a side. This high-carb, low-fiber processed form of flour and yeast can cause a spike in blood sugar and has been known to impact brain function for those with preexisting mental ailments.

Because white bread lacks fiber, it is not filling and will cause you to feel hungry faster. This will lead to more snacking which can lead to weight gain if you’re not careful.

Substitute white bread with whole-grain bread which is a good source of vitamins and dietary fiber. Whole grain bread may also reduce blood cholesterol levels and lessen the risk of high blood pressure, indigestion, and cancer. Genuine sourdough bread and dense rye bread are also great options.

8.   White Rice and Pasta

White rice goes with everything really, whether it is fried chicken, curried chickpeas, roasted beef or pork. Pasta is the same and can be the star of your meal. Though both are cheap, convenient and easy to make, they’re bad for diabetics

The reason for this is how they are made. Processed foods generally lose the bulk of their nutritional value in the manufacturing process and typically have a high glycemic index. They are also high in carbs which help to pack on pounds and low in fiber which is key to slowing down the absorption of sugar in the blood.

The good news is that you don’t have to ditch rice altogether. Swap white rice for whole-grain rice. Some alternatives you may want to try are brown rice, black rice, quinoa, pearled barley, and bulgur. Trade in your pasta for spiralized vegetables, sprouts and noodles and pasta made from vegetables.

9.    Dried Fruit

Dried fruit is a great snack for when you’re on the go, and makes a great topper to breakfast cereals, pastry, and pancakes. They’re also full of vitamins and nutrients, so that’s a plus.

But do you know what else they’re full of? That’s right, sugar. When fruits are dried, they lose all their water content and what ends up happening is that the sugar becomes super concentrated. For instance, a cup of grapes has about 16 grams of carbs while a cup of raisins has about 115 g of carbs per cup.

Being diabetic doesn’t mean you can’t have fruit, but you will have to be pickier when it comes on to consuming fruits. Include more citrus in your fruit menu since these have antioxidant properties which help to regulate blood sugar levels or fresh berries that contain lots of fiber and antioxidants.
Or, ditch the fruits altogether and swap them for green, leafy veggies.

10.   Packaged Snacks

If you’re a parent, or live a fast-paced life, you don’t have time to make meals from scratch three times a day. So, you stock up on the healthiest package snacks you can find which promise to be better for health than the other brands.

The truth about it is they are generally high in sugar and other carbs and low in nutrients. Many of these ingredients are also hidden carbs that you’ve probably never thought about researching, that’s if it’s even in English!

Skip the granola bar and have a handful of walnuts or veggie sticks. A fruit plate or vegetable salad is also a great option that can hold you over until your next meal.

11.  Corn

Corn in its natural state is carb-rich so just imagine when it’s processed and turned into things like cornmeal, popcorn, sweet corn and corn dogs. In comparison to other vegetables, corn has an above glycemic index of 52 meaning it contains a lot of sugar which gets absorbed quickly into the bloodstream. Such a spike in someone with diabetes can cause fatigue, frequent bathroom breaks and extreme thirst. If these high levels are maintained over time, it can have several negative side effects. Swap the corn in your soups and other dishes for beans and lentils.

Final Thoughts

Many people believe that once you’re diabetic, your life ends and that you have to stick to some strict, bland diet to stay healthy. That is far from the truth since there are many great meal options that will help to keep your blood sugar levels stable without making meal times boring.

If you have diabetes, your primary goal of treatment should be to keep your blood sugar levels in the target range. Hence, you need to regularly check your blood sugar.  With the proper tools and training you can do this at home.    There are two common ways of checking blood sugar:

1. using a glucose meter via fingerstick,

2. with a continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) device. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to check blood sugar the right way using a glucose meter even in the comfort of your home.

Blood Sugar Test: What & How to Prepare

A blood sugar test, technically called a “blood glucose test,” measures the amount of glucose in your blood at a given time. Glucose is a type of simple sugar which is your body’s primary source of energy. Your body converts the carbohydrates you consume into glucose.

Blood glucose or blood sugar testing is primarily done to help diagnose diabetes. Diabetes is a chronic condition that causes blood glucose levels to rise. Your healthcare provider may also be looking to see if you have prediabetes, the condition where your blood glucose levels are higher than the normal range. People who already have type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, or gestational diabetes also perform home tests to monitor their blood sugar and know how to better manage their condition.

Blood glucose tests are typically done either 1) with fasting or 2) as random blood sugar tests. For the fasting type, you will be instructed by your healthcare professional not to eat or drink anything (except water) for several hours (e.g., eight hours) before you test your blood sugar.

When you are able to check blood sugar the right way, the instant results will let you know the following:

• whether your nutrition or exercise program needs to change
• the effectiveness of your diabetes medications or treatment
• how high or low your blood sugar level is
• if your overall treatment goals for your condition is manageable

To check your blood sugar levels properly at home, you will need to prepare the following:

• blood glucose meter also called a “glucometer”
• finger-pricking device with lancets
• testing strips
• Alcholol swabs
• Puncture proof container

There is a wide variety of devices and materials which you can purchase from your state, pharmacies, diabetes centers, or local medical suppliers. Your healthcare provider can help you select what suits your needs.

You can also ask your healthcare provider help on the following:

• how to check blood sugar using your own device
• where to prick or draw blood
• how to use and dispose of the lancing device that punctures your skin
• how to clean your equipment properly
• how to check if your device is accurate
• how to calibrate your device (if needed)

Risks and Side Effects of Blood Sugar Tests

Taking a blood sugar test has low to zero risks or side effects. You may feel pain or soreness, swelling, and bruising at the puncture site, especially if you have gone to a clinic or laboratory to have your blood drawn from a vein. Typically, this should go away within a day. However, if you experience any extreme or prolonged untoward effects (e.g., bleeding, pain, or swelling), report this to your doctor at once.

Get Organized: How to Check Your Blood Sugar with a Glucose Meter

• It is best to check the manual/instructions of your glucose meter or talk with your healthcare provider to be clarified with standard guidelines specific to your device and condition. Important: Never share monitoring equipment or fingerstick devices to avoid possible infection.
• Gather the supplies you need to test your blood sugar. Check your equipment before you do a test (e.g., expiry date, code numbers for the meters, if needed)
• At regular periods, properly care for your supplies and device. You can make a reminder to clean your home blood sugar testing kit.

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Performing the Blood Sugar Test

Although instructions may vary between devices used, the following are the general steps to check blood sugar accurately:

1. Wash your hands adequately with warm water and soap, then dry with a clean towel.

• Prepare a clean pricker or lancing device by inserting a fresh lancet. The lancing device is typically a pen-sized holder for the lancet or needle. It holds the lancet in place and controls how deeply the lancet punctures your skin.

If you plan to reuse your lancet, you should know that once used, it will not be as sharp as it was, and can cause more pain/injury to your skin.

1. Prepare your glucose meter and test strips as per the manufacturer’s instructions of your device.
2. Get a test strip from your sealed container, and be sure to put the lid back on the container immediately to prevent any moisture from damaging the other strips.
3. Use the lancet or pricker to obtain a small droplet of blood from the side of your fingertip. Some devices allow blood sugar testing on alternate sites such as your palm, forearm, upper arm, abdomen, calf, and thigh. Be sure to check where your device can be used.

Alternate sites are often less painful. However, when your blood sugar is rising or falling rapidly (e.g., immediately after a meal or in response to exercise or insulin), it is advised to use the fingertips for accuracy. Alternate sites may give significantly different readings in these situations.

1. With the test strip attached to the glucose meter, apply the blood droplet on the correct spot of the test strip.
2. Using a clean cotton ball, put pressure on the part of the skin that you punctured to stop the bleeding.
3. Wait for the results. This should be on the display of the meter after a few seconds.
4. After checking your blood sugar, dispose of the used lancing device in a container for sharps (not in the household trash to prevent incidences of pricking).

Choosing the Glucose Meter to Check Blood Sugar

There is no single device that is superior over all other brands when it comes to a glucose meter device. You can consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist to help you select a device with consideration of essential factors including:

• your condition
• cost or budget
• ease of use
• accuracy

Most importantly, your device should be approved by either the US Food and Drug Administration or the International Organization for Standardization for reliable results.

The Accuracy of your Test for Blood Sugar

• There can be variability between devices, but checking your blood sugar at home with a reliable blood glucose meter should be reasonably accurate.
• Do check your blood sugar with common sense and caution at all times. If you get a reading that doesn’t fit with how you feel (for example, the result reads a very low blood sugar level, but you don’t feel any untoward symptoms), it should be your practice to take a second reading. You can also use an alternate means of checking your blood sugar (such as using a different glucose meter).
• The precision of your test for blood sugar can be affected by factors, including the type of glucose meter device and test strips you use.
• It is a good idea to check the accuracy of your device occasionally by bringing it when you have an appointment to get blood sugar testing. You can use your device to check your blood sugar level at the same time that blood is extracted, and compare the results. If the reading differs by more than 15%, your meter and other equipment may have a problem. You can talk with your healthcare provider to identify the problem and work on possible solutions.

When Your Reading Doesn’t Seem Right: Other Factors To Consider

If a blood sugar reading does not seem right to you, you may want to check the following:

• Did you wash your hands and properly dry them before you did the test?
• Was the test strip used in good condition, and not beyond the expiry date?
• Are your test strips compatible or appropriate for your glucose meter?
• Did you use enough blood on the test strip?
• Did you put the test strip into the glucose meter correctly?
• Was your test strip affected by heat, light, or exposed to varying climates?
• Is your glucose meter clean?
• Is the device too hot or cold?
• Is the battery of your device low or near-empty?

Other Glucose Monitoring Devices

Alternatively, you can wear a device for continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). The blood sugar sensor is inserted under your skin and can read the sugar in your body tissue continuously. This device alerts you whenever your blood sugar is too high or too low.

Even with a CGM, it is advised for you to still check your blood sugar with a glucose meter at least twice daily to check the calibration of your CGM. In fact, for the most accurate readings, your glucose meter is considered superior over a CGM. This is especially so in the presence of acute conditions that will try to identify low blood sugar levels.

There is another new generation device called a flash glucose meter (FGM). This type of glucose meter uses sensor scans for monitoring your blood sugar, and no longer requires finger pricks.

Interpreting Blood Sugar Results

Typically, your healthcare provider will recommend a blood sugar range that is suitable for you. Your age, relevant health conditions, the length of time you have been living with diabetes, and the medications you take will be considered for your target range and treatment. Hence, the results you get from checking blood sugar regularly tells you how well your diabetes treatment plan is working. However, keep in mind that the readings can be affected by a range of other factors, including:

• your food intake
• level of physical activity
• stress levels
• medications you take (e.g., oral diabetes medicines, insulin)

Keeping Track of Blood Sugar Results

It is good practice to record your results and bring this with you on each visit to your doctor or diabetes healthcare professional. It is advised to include the following essential data when recording your blood sugar results:

• Date and time you checked your blood sugar
• All your blood sugar readings, including those taken in a clinic or laboratory
• A list of the medications (e.g., insulin) with correct dosages that is being given to you

You may also include additional notes about whether you exercised, what you ate, stresses, and other difficulties with the illness. During your appointments, you should discuss these information with your healthcare provider to understand what your readings mean and whether changes to manage your blood sugar are needed.

Final Thoughts

Knowing how to check your blood sugar and regular monitoring can help you see the effects of nutrition, exercise, medication, and illnesses (especially diabetes) on your blood sugar levels. Accurate results can help you and your healthcare provider identify any changes or patterns in your blood sugar. This will ultimately better your diabetes treatment plan for long-term. And always remember to stay healthy and feel your best by focusing on healthy eating, getting regular exercise, and monitoring your blood sugar the right way.