question about testing your sugar infrequently!

[johnnylol]

when i first tested my bs..i did it 7 time's a day for 2 weeks.until i saw my doc again..she was pleased with how well i control my sugar..so she said test it 2 time's a day every other day...so basically i test let's say monday...before breakfast then after lunch..then i test wed before dinner and before bed...still my bs control is excellent..just wondering..do'es anyone test that infrequently..just curious....

[MarkMunday]

I test 7 times a day, everyday. And Have done it for the last twenty years. I don't do it for the doctors visit. It is the only way I can keep focused on my control.

Mark

[johnnylol]

yeah did that for 2 weeks 7 time's tested a day..maybe 8 time's..sometime's had not enough blood had to retest..but the finger's were sore...since i basically do the same routine every day..don't need to test that often...

[KLD]

I'm like Mark - I take a fasting test before breakfast and test before and two hours after every meal, as well as before going to bed. I know many people would consider that excessive, but, as Mark said, it keeps me focussed. My before meal results influence what I eat at the meal, and the post prandial results are a major incentive to resist temptation before the next meal. It works well for me, and is a major influence in keeping my A1C so low (last test: 5.2). I seem to recall reading in another post of Mark's that his A1C is also very good, and I'm sure his frequent testing plays a role in that.

I could never see any point in testing at all if you're not going to use the information to manage your blood sugar control. I'm speaking as a diet-controlled type 2, as I have knowledge of the regime involved in injecting insulin.

Karen

[Fiona]

I test 9 times a day at the moment, before and after each meal and before and after any exercise. I think I am obsessed by it, however I am starting to run out of fingers.

[KLD]

Your fingers toughen up after a while, Fiona. Mine have, anyway. Did you know you can use the top of your fingers to test as well? It's supposed to be less painful because that part of your fingers isn't as sensitive. I don't do it that way because I'm so skinny I haven't much flesh there and have trouble drawing enough blood, but I know people who do.

Karen

[Fiona]

Hi Karen, I tried to use the top but it hurt too much on me! My husband said I should start using my toes. I told him I would practice on his first!!!

[mg_2204]

Johnny, I tend to test before breakfast and before dinner but my doc has asked me to try to test at diff times too, just to check. For example, in the past, I've seldom tested before going to bed.

Since I don't have to test that often (3 times a week was recommended to me), I try to be creative about the times I test :)

There are times when I test more often... there are times when I hardly test.

I will test if I'm not feeling well or if I'm sick.

Marie
:)

[am1977]

I test typically 4x a day, though it's more if my blood sugar is off. My testing times are usually before breakfast, before lunch, before dinner and then 2 hours after dinner. I always thought that this was a lot, but after hearing how often some of you test, it doesn't seem a lot at all. Aside from my last A1c, I was doing ok with this testing schedule, but if things continue to be off I might consider increasing my testing. I know that it is a key element in gaining control.

[Shalyndria]

I test on average 10 x a day, though often I'll test upwards of 15 but never less than 6. It's simple; the more I test the better equipped I am to micro-manage my disease.

I did go through a period in my teens though during which time I didn't test my BG's at all. This probably lasted about two years, and is most likely a large part of why I test so often now. I was extremely lucky because somehow for that time I never had an A1c that went over 8.0, and didn't experience any huge fluctuations that would've affected my general health. When my doctor caught on that I wasn't testing, he tried to ease me into it gradually by suggesting the same schedule you're on johnny; that being to test at alternate times twice a day. And from there I grew up :)

Shy

[Belinda]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Shalyndria


I did go through a period in my teens though during which time I didn't test my BG's at all. This probably lasted about two years, and is most likely a large part of why I test so often now.

I did the same thing..I don't need to test today...why bother...well I test on the average of at least 6 times and up to ?. If my sugar is running off a bit I check all the time. If I change pump sites I check more that day to make sure I got it in all right. I did have my doc suggest on occasion I should check every two hours to see how things are going ( mind you I have done this a few times and it does give you an overall view off what is going on.) The more you test the more control you have.

[rzrbks]

At least 7 times a day for me:

Morning; before Breakfast, 2 hours after; before lunch, 2 hours after; befopre supper, two hours after; before bed and any times during the day when things don't "Feel " right. And extra tests when heavy or extended exercise.


Geez, I hope that's not too much.


Hey, is there any way we can recycle the little plastic containers the strips come in. I do believe I could build severfal cars out of all the plastic i've used.

[Jenny]

Johnny,
I was told to test once a day at different times. So monday I do maybe a fasting breakfast. Then tuesday an after supper, etc. Sometimes if I am ill or not feeling well I will test more often.