Testing for the first time.

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Lydia1960

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Plucked up the courage to do my first testing of blood glucose levels. After two hours from eating a piece of toast and jam.

6.9mmol. So that's good! No spike! Decided I can afford to test three times a day. So will select when to test after certain meals and once I know that certain meals won't spike me, after several tests of those meals, I can test less, just testing them every now and again to confirm.

I read that exercise can cause spikes too? Will have to test after I have been for my walk in the communal garden later this morning. Just a stroll for about 40 minutes. See what the meter says..

Do you need a special container to put the lancets in to be disposed of?
 
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Lydia1960 said:
Plucked up the courage to do my first testing of blood glucose levels. After two hours from eating a piece of toast and jam.

6.9mmol. So that's good! No spike! Decided I can afford to test three times a day. So will select when to test after certain meals and once I know that certain meals won't spike me, after several tests of those meals, I can test less, just testing them every now and again to confirm.

I read that exercise can cause spikes too? Will have to test after I have been for my walk in the communal garden later this morning. Just a stroll for about 40 minutes. See what the meter says..

Do you need a special container to put the lancets in to be disposed of?
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There always has to be a first time Lydia🙂...great result after toast & jam...did you also test before you ate?...as for exercise...some types do raise my blood sugars...others have the opposite effect...I am fine with walking...wait for twenty minutes or so when I've finished...then I test...usually have a good reduction...but...after about thirty minutes on the exercise bike...it always shoots up...then comes down in an hour or so...be interested to hear how that affects you...many here have a sharps bin for their strips & lancets...I think most practices give those out...enjoy your walk.
 
Thanks, Bubbsie. I didn't know you were supposed to wait 20/30 after exercise before testing? Had a stroll of around 50 minutes just now and the test result was 8.1mmol. So that's reasonable. I had also had a quarter of a salmon and salad sandwich, so that might have raised the levels. As someone suggested on here. Take exercise after a meal which should help to stop spiking?
 
Lydia1960 said:
Thanks, Bubbsie. I didn't know you were supposed to wait 20/30 after exercise before testing? Had a stroll of around 50 minutes just now and the test result was 8.1mmol. So that's reasonable. I had also had a quarter of a salmon and salad sandwich, so that might have raised the levels. As someone suggested on here. Take exercise after a meal which should help to stop spiking?
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Lydia...you don't have to wait 30 minutes after exercise😳😳😳...you'll find there are 'no set' rules with diabetes...about what we eat...how to exercise...what exercise it suitable...diet...carbs...what lowers my BG levels may raise yours...what you can tolerate could raise my BG ...it's about finding what suits you best...in simple terms I see it as experimenting...testing regularly...before & after foods...exercise...looking at the relevant threads...reading the right material...then extracting the best parts...are you testing on waking...you may find that gives you a starting point for the day...have a look at the Group 7- Day Waking Average...an incentive for me...keeps me focused...sounds like the bread/jam could be spiking you levels...why not test for a whole day...before & after meals...after exercise...that should give you a good indication of how you are managing your diabetes...once you have a reasonable idea of what 'suits' you best...then reduce the testing if you wish too...good luck...keep us updated.
 
Bubbsie said:
Lydia...you don't have to wait 30 minutes after exercise😳😳😳...you'll find there are 'no set' rules with diabetes...about what we eat...how to exercise...what exercise it suitable...diet...carbs...what lowers my BG levels may raise yours...what you can tolerate could raise my BG ...it's about finding what suits you best...in simple terms I see it as experimenting...testing regularly...before & after foods...exercise...looking at the relevant threads...reading the right material...then extracting the best parts...are you testing on waking...you may find that gives you a starting point for the day...have a look at the Group 7- Day Waking Average...an incentive for me...keeps me focused...sounds like the bread/jam could be spiking you levels...why not test for a whole day...before & after meals...after exercise...that should give you a good indication of how you are managing your diabetes...once you have a reasonable idea of what 'suits' you best...then reduce the testing if you wish too...good luck...keep us updated.
Click to expand...

I guess it's like everything else. Practice makes perfect. Yes, I think I will test before/ after meals/ exercise for a few days, and on waking. Just to get an idea of how my body is coping. Thanks for that suggestion. And will check out the relevant threads..

Was that a 'spike' number, then? The result after eating toast this morning? I thought as long as it was under 8mmol, after 2 hours from food, it's acceptable..?
 
For more information about exercise, try www.teambloodglucose.com The reason for waiting until 30mins after stopping exercise is that some types of exercise, mainly lower intenstity aerobic (eg walking or gentle cycling or swimming) or any type of anaerobic (eg weightlifting) can actually raise blood glucose, and for moderate to high intensity aerobic (eg fast running or cycling) can initially raise, then reduce blood glucose levels. So, waiting gives a better view about what's happening.
Regarding used lancets - bearing in mind most peope use the same lancet for days, if not weeks or months, you probably won't have many to deal with. Many lancets have caps, so you can cover the sharp point, and while resheathing needles is totally inappropriate and dangerous for health professionals handling sharps that have been in someone else's body, as needle / lancet might accidently go into their own finger, it's perfectly OK for a person to recover a lancet that has been inside themself. Personally, I keep used lancets (and needles) in a film pot and take them with me when I go to a clinic or GP appointment - about 3 times a year for bloods to be taken, clinic and flu jab.
You're right - any post meal reading under 8mmol/l is fine.
 
Lydia1960 said:
I guess it's like everything else. Practice makes perfect. Yes, I think I will test before/ after meals/ exercise for a few days, and on waking. Just to get an idea of how my body is coping. Thanks for that suggestion. And will check out the relevant threads..

Was that a 'spike' number, then? The result after eating toast this morning? I thought as long as it was under 8mmol, after 2 hours from food, it's acceptable..?
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Lydia...can't say if that was a 'spike' since no idea what your BG was before you ate (may have missed that...only had one coffee...need at least to two come to my senses)...once you test before eating...the recommended ranges say no more than a 2-3 mmol rise is what we should be aiming for approximately two hours after food...the numbers you quoted are the recommended ranges...I've included the recommended ranges in detail below:

For the majority of healthy individuals, normal blood sugar levels are as follows:
Between 4.0 to 6.0 mmol/L (72 to 108 mg/dL) when fasting
Up to 7.8 mmol/L (140 mg/dL) 2 hours after eating
For people with diabetes, blood sugar level targets are as follows:
Before meals: 4 to 7 mmol/L for people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes
After meals: under 9 mmol/L for people with type 1 diabetes and under 8.5mmol/L for people with type 2 diabetes

have a read...this may help give you with what targets you should be aiming for...good luck.
 
With exercise, it is generally the more intense types that have the capacity to raise BG, so sprints and heavy weights. The types of exercise where you can't really breathe (anaerobic). Cardio and aerobic exercise generally lowers BG levels (walking, jogging, swimming).

Edit: posted at the same time as Copepod
 
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Copepod said:
For more information about exercise, try www.teambloodglucose.com The reason for waiting until 30mins after stopping exercise is that some types of exercise, mainly lower intenstity aerobic (eg walking or gentle cycling or swimming) or any type of anaerobic (eg weightlifting) can actually raise blood glucose, and for moderate to high intensity aerobic (eg fast running or cycling) can initially raise, then reduce blood glucose levels. So, waiting gives a better view about what's happening.
Regarding used lancets - bearing in mind most peope use the same lancet for days, if not weeks or months, you probably won't have many to deal with. Many lancets have caps, so you can cover the sharp point, and while resheathing needles is totally inappropriate and dangerous for health professionals handling sharps that have been in someone else's body, as needle / lancet might accidently go into their own finger, it's perfectly OK for a person to recover a lancet that has been inside themself. Personally, I keep used lancets (and needles) in a film pot and take them with me when I go to a clinic or GP appointment - about 3 times a year for bloods to be taken, clinic and flu jab.
You're right - any post meal reading under 8mmol/l is fine.
Click to expand...
It very much does depend on what your levels are on waking...what they were before you ate/exercised...that needs to be taken into acount...so if at 5 or lower...then a rise of 3.1 would be a spike surely?...in addition to aiming for the recommended targets...it is possible to get your BG levels lower...the recommended range obviously should be the first target...once you achieve that...for a consistent period...there is a good possibility to reduce further to non-diabetic range...many here have done so...at a steady pace...over a prolonged period...that is what I am aiming for...hopefully at my next review.
 
Thanks for that link, Copepod. Will check it out. And you can use the lancet for weeks, or months? Not dangerous?

Noted what you have written, Bubbsie. About testing more often to get a better judge of my BG levels. That they should be in the range of no more than 2-3mmol higher after a meal. Otherwise, it's a spike.

And as my form of exercise is gentle walking it is good to know that this should lower my BG levels..
 
Lydia1960 said:
Thanks for that link, Copepod. Will check it out. And you can use the lancet for weeks, or months? Not dangerous?

Noted what you have written, Bubbsie. About testing more often to get a better judge of my BG levels. That they should be in the range of no more than 2-3mmol higher after a meal. Otherwise, it's a spike.

And as my form of exercise is gentle walking it is good to know that this should lower my BG levels..
Click to expand...
Firstly Lydia while some use their lancets repeatedly...I never have...had a massive infection last year...very ill (non-diabetic related)...so I use a fresh lancet each time...just how I approach it...if you are self funding...I can understand the pressure to re-use them...however since last year...slightly paranoid about any risk of infection...even the slightest...secondly as you've put it...I would say simply that's about right...we are looking for any 'spikes' after eating...anything more than 2-3mmols would be a spike (according to the recommended ranges)...so yes important to test before eating...then two hours after...look for those numbers...in time you'll get the hang of it...then who knows you may want to lower the post-meal figures even further... to no more than 1-2mmols...that's just a figure off the top of my head Lydia (not a target)...the aim is to keep those BGs manageable...within range...then possibly later lower our overall HbA1c...bring it down to 'Normal' range (sounds awful...Normal)...possibly reduce/stop medication...of course always after consultation with your GP/DSN...once you are into your testing routine for a while...it will become clearer...type2 is a perfectly manageable condition...if we find the right regime...one we can sustain in the long-term...consistently...it can/does become easier to control our blood sugars...some here do manage on diet/exercise only...my ultimatum aim...no need to rush...do things at your own pace...best way...walking...is brilliant...again you can do this at your won speed...a short brisk walk...ten minutes or so...even a leisurely stroll...all good...great benefits from it.
 
Bubbsie said:
Firstly Lydia while some use their lancets repeatedly...I never have...had a massive infection last year...very ill (non-diabetic related)...so I use a fresh lancet each time...just how I approach it...if you are self funding...I can understand the pressure to re-use them...however since last year...slightly paranoid about any risk of infection...even the slightest...secondly as you've put it...I would say simply that's about right...we are looking for any 'spikes' after eating...anything more than 2-3mmols would be a spike (according to the recommended ranges)...so yes important to test before eating...then two hours after...look for those numbers...in time you'll get the hang of it...then who knows you may want to lower the post-meal figures even further... to no more than 1-2mmols...that's just a figure off the top of my head Lydia (not a target)...the aim is to keep those BGs manageable...within range...then possibly later lower our overall HbA1c...bring it down to 'Normal' range (sounds awful...Normal)...possibly reduce/stop medication...of course always after consultation with your GP/DSN...once you are into your testing routine for a while...it will become clearer...type2 is a perfectly manageable condition...if we find the right regime...one we can sustain in the long-term...consistently...it can/does become easier to control our blood sugars...some here do manage on diet/exercise only...my ultimatum aim...no need to rush...do things at your own pace...best way...walking...is brilliant...again you can do this at your won speed...a short brisk walk...ten minutes or so...even a leisurely stroll...all good...great benefits from it.
Click to expand...


Sounds advisable. To not risk infection from a lancet. Hope you've recovered well from your mishap...

Having to use the strips sparingly, I think I will only test throughout the day for the next two weeks or maybe a month. To see, as you say, just how my body reacts to different food and to learn how to avoid spikes.

Just wondering how you do avoid spikes? Is it a case of changing the food you eat or having smaller portions? And can you really come off metformin if you manage to monitor your BG levels well?

This is all great information for me. It is really helping me to be on this forum and get such excellent feedback on these serious topics..
 
Lydia1960 said:
Thanks for that link, Copepod. Will check it out. And you can use the lancet for weeks, or months? Not dangerous?

Noted what you have written, Bubbsie. About testing more often to get a better judge of my BG levels. That they should be in the range of no more than 2-3mmol higher after a meal. Otherwise, it's a spike.

And as my form of exercise is gentle walking it is good to know that this should lower my BG levels..
Click to expand...
Many people do use lancets for weeks or months without problems - I'm one, and haven't had an infection in over 20 years of doing so. However, lancets are supposed to be used one only.
 
Hi Lydia. I am one who reuses lancets. Though the official advise is single use.
As for disposal, test strips go in the bin. As you're not injecting it's most unlikely gp will provide you with a sharps bin, if they do fine, if not push the needle into to cover , you can either put them into a secure box till you see the nurse and dispose of them in her sharps (yellow) bin or put them into a drinks can and put that in the rubbish when full.
 
Think I'd rather be cautious about the lancets. My constitution is not too grand these days...

So I don't need a sharp's bin for the lancets? Just put them in a can and dispose of them in the communal bin?

Bit cautious, as my sleep patterns are erratic(I like to stay up during the nights as it is quieter then here on my estate). I also eat little but often. So assume this will have an effect on my testing and the results...

Have just rested for two hours. Tested myself on waking. 6.5mmol. Have eaten half a cereal bowl of salad and a peach. Might eat another quarter of salmon sandwich in an hour's time. So i'll test at about 2pm to see the result?
 
Lydia1960 said:
Sounds advisable. To not risk infection from a lancet. Hope you've recovered well from your mishap...

Having to use the strips sparingly, I think I will only test throughout the day for the next two weeks or maybe a month. To see, as you say, just how my body reacts to different food and to learn how to avoid spikes.

Just wondering how you do avoid spikes? Is it a case of changing the food you eat or having smaller portions? And can you really come off metformin if you manage to monitor your BG levels well?

This is all great information for me. It is really helping me to be on this forum and get such excellent feedback on these serious topics..
Click to expand...
Sometimes it is difficult to avoid spikes...it very much depends what you are eating (remember what I tolerate...you may not)...obviously carb heavy food should be avoided...sometimes stress is a factor...when we are unwell...have an infection...all these can lead to a spike...there are some days we have raised blood sugar for no apparent reason...however...overall it is possible to spot those foods...situations that increase our BGs the majority of the time...has anyone recommended Type 2 Diabetes The First Year by Gretchen Becker...if not...I'd give it a try...would be ideal for you...she is type 2...writes about her first year after diagnosis on a month by month basis...has a good section on blood testing...why we should test...when to test...how to interpret the results...also addresses many other questions we have...how type 2 develops...is it fault based...I would wholeheartedly recommend it to any type 2s who want to understand their condition...manage their BGs...you can read a preview of it on Amazon...worthwhile giving it a quick look before deciding whether to invest in a copy.
 
Lydia1960 said:
Think I'd rather be cautious about the lancets. My constitution is not too grand these days...

So I don't need a sharp's bin for the lancets? Just put them in a can and dispose of them in the communal bin?

Bit cautious, as my sleep patterns are erratic(I like to stay up during the nights as it is quieter then here on my estate). I also eat little but often. So assume this will have an effect on my testing and the results...

Have just rested for two hours. Tested myself on waking. 6.5mmol. Have eaten half a cereal bowl of salad and a peach. Might eat another quarter of salmon sandwich in an hour's time. So i'll test at about 2pm to see the result?
Click to expand...
I don't use a sharp's bin...into the can...then into the bin...like you I can sleep intermittently ...mostly eat little & often...as an example...woke on a 5.7...ate breakfast (two small slices of high protein bread...buttered & a tablespoon of peanut butter on each)...watered the garden...fair bit of walking to do that...tested two hours later...a flat 6...so fine with that...about to take the dog out...usually about 40 minutes...will test after that...you don't have to test that often...just that I have a review due in a couple of weeks...will be just on a year from my first one last October...keen to make sure I have reduced my HbA1c...no HbA1c break down available at my first review (just how they do it here)...but diagnosed with a BG level of 17.4...currently on an average of 5.8...so wanting to make sure I maintain that...ideally would like to have reduced it further...but...sometimes in the lap of the gods!
 
Thanks for that book idea, Bubbsie. Downloaded it already, ready to read. Should give me a better understanding of this serious condition. How to avoid complications.

You sound like you are doing the correct things to bring down your BG levels. That's great! What's needed. A motivator for me, too, as it proves it can be done. So good luck with your HbA1c test.

Ljc, that seems to be a good blog about diabetes. Noted it. That's exactly what I intend to do. Test every meal, before, after, exercise etc to see where spikes occur. Which foods to avoid. For about a month. Then only test now and again to check for spikes...
 
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