Checking Your Blood Sugar

If you have diabetes, it’s important to check your blood sugar at different times throughout the day and year. This helps you keep your levels within your target range and live well. 

At Banner Health, we’re here to make this part of your daily routine easier. Learn when and how to test your blood sugar and what the results mean for your health.

What are blood sugar levels?

Blood sugar levels refer to the amount of sugar (glucose) in your blood. Glucose is a type of sugar you get from food and drink and is a vital source of energy for your body’s cells.

Everyone’s blood sugar levels go up and down during the day. If you have diabetes, these changes may be more frequent or extreme. That's why it's important to keep your levels balanced.

Why is regular blood sugar testing important?

Testing your blood sugar helps you understand how your body reacts to food, activity and medication. It allows you to: 

• Stay in control: Testing shows how well you’re managing your diabetes. 
• Prevent problems: It helps detect when your levels are too high (hyperglycemia) or too low (hypoglycemia), both of which can be dangerous. 
• Support long-term health: Keeping your blood sugar in range lowers your risk for complications such as heart disease, kidney issues and nerve damage. It also helps you feel more energized and confident. 

What is a healthy blood sugar target range?

Your target range is the blood sugar level you aim to stay within. While individual goals vary, a common range is: 

• Before meals: 70 to 180 mg/dL 
• Two hours after meals: Less than 180 mg/dL 

Your health care provider will set your target range based on your age, type of diabetes, overall health and other factors. 

How can I check my blood sugar levels?

There are a few ways to monitor your blood sugar. Your diabetes care team can help you decide which option is right for you.

A1C test:

This lab test (also called HbA1C) shows your average blood sugar over the past two to three months. It helps track long-term control. It’s usually done:

• Once a year if you have prediabetes
• Several times a year if you take insulin or struggle to stay in range

Blood glucose meter:

Also called a glucometer, this device uses a small blood sample from your fingertip. You’ll:

1. Prick your finger with a lancet
2. Place a drop of blood on a test strip
3. Insert the strip into the meter for a reading

You may need to test several times a day. Your provider will guide you on when and how often.

Continuous glucose monitor (CGM):

This device uses a small sensor under the skin to track your blood sugar all day and night. It sends updates to a receiver, insulin pump or smartphone.

Benefits include:

• Fewer or no finger sticks
• Alerts for high or low levels
• Trend tracking (rising, falling or steady)

Some CGMs are covered by insurance or Medicare. Ask your care team about costs and setup.

Flash glucose monitor:

This option works like a smart sticker you place on your skin. You scan it with a phone or reader to get a blood sugar reading. Flash monitors track sugar levels in your interstitial fluid and reduce the need for finger sticks. 

When should I check my blood sugar?

You will need to check your blood sugar throughout the day, but when you check may depend on the type of diabetes you have and your treatment plan.

Here are some general guidelines for when to check your blood sugar levels:

• When you wake up: Check your fasting blood sugar level.
• Before meals: Check before meals, especially in the morning before breakfast.
• After meals: Check one to two hours after the start of a meal.
• Bedtime: Check before bed to ensure a stable level throughout the night.
• During exercise: Check your blood sugar before, during and after exercise to prevent hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia. 
• When you are sick: During illness or periods of stress, check your blood sugar more often.
• Random checks: Perform checks every so often to monitor your levels during the day to look for patterns or trends.

What should do I do with my blood sugar readings?

Keeping a record of your readings is helpful if you are going to use your results to manage your diabetes. If using a CGM this tracking can be done automatically and downloaded anytime to your computer or shared with your provider. These readings can alert you of any problems or trends. They can also help your health care provider make any needed changes in your meal plan, medication or physical activity.

Remember, your provider and diabetes team are there to support you. If you ever feel unsure or need help, reach out to them. Regular communication and changes to your plan based on your results are important to keep you healthy.

What's the next step after testing?

Monitoring your blood sugar is just one part of managing diabetes. The next step is making lifestyle changes. Healthy eating, regular activity and medication (when needed) all help you take control of your condition and feel your best.