Blood Glucose Monitoring

If you have diabetes… know your blood sugar numbers! Taking control of your diabetes can help you feel better and stay healthy. Research shows that keeping your blood glucose (blood sugar) close to normal reduces your chances of having eye, kidney, and nerve problems. To control your diabetes, you need to know your blood glucose numbers and your target goals.

There are two different tests to measure your blood glucose:

1. The A1C test (pronounced A-one-C) reflects your average blood glucose level over the last 3 months. It is the best way to know your overall blood glucose control during this period of time. This test used to be called hemoglobin A-1-Cor H-b-A-1-C.
2. The blood glucose test you do yourself uses a drop of blood and a meter that measures the level of glucose in your blood at the time you do the test. This is called self monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG).

Source: 2003 Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Prevention and Management of Diabetes in Canada

Important Notice: Information provided is for general background purposes and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment by a trained professional. You should always consult your physician about any health care questions you may have, especially before trying a new medication, diet, fitness program, or approach to health care issues.