Questions about meters!

[inspiredbyjonas]

I'm going to get a meter soon, but my question is: What do I do if it's high or if it's low? What are the ranges for the numbers, too? How often should I check?

I am clueless. Thank you!

[jillrapp]

Hello there!

First, are you type 1 or type 2? Normal fasting levels are considered to be less than 110, 2 hours post meal (you test 2 hours after you take your first bite) are considered normal if you test under 140. Those are the numbers most of us strive for.

I check a minimum of 4 times a day, when I first wake up, 2 hours after breakfast and 2 hours after dinner and before bed to make sure I'm not starting sleep too low. I may test at any other time of the day when I'm feeling wonky.

While you are new - you will probably want to test more often. Some test regularly before and after each meal - to find what causes you spikes and which foods are "safe" for you. I would ask for your test strip prescription to be for as many test strips as your doctor will sign for, at least 4-5/day while you're getting started.

If your low - (under 70 is considered hypo) you will want to eat some fast acting carbohydrates to raise your levels. The rule is: 15 grams of carbohydrates and wait 15 minutes, and test again. Repeat if necessary. Fast acting carbs are found in glucose tabs, glucose gels, honey, milk, regular soda etc. If you've been running high, numbers under 100 can feel too low for you. I would say it's okay to treat for anything under 80 - I treat for anything under 100 if I'm heading to bed for the night.

If you're high - drink lots of water, drink more water, excercise, and test. If you're type 1, you'll use insulin to help get your highs down faster, type 2 you'll drink, excercise, and stay away from food for a while. :)

I'm sure others will come around and give more ideas. Good luck and don't hesitate to ask as more questions come up.

[inspiredbyjonas]

Hey!
I am hypoglycemic. And many people told me to get one. So, does this apply to me?

You don't do it 2 hours after lunch?

Thank you for the information!

[jillrapp]

I would get one to track your numbers. I don't do it 2 hours after lunch anymore, at first I tested 10 times per day on average. I would get a meter, however, to track when you're going low - to be able to treat before you get too low to do this for yourself :)

[EeyoreButterfly]

The best thing to do is to find a doctor and talk to them about your symptoms and what the appropriate numbers for you are. If you're low (typically under 70) you can do the 15 grams of fast acting glucose. Sometimes I do less depending on the number becaues I've found I swing too high. If you're high, I don't think there's much you can do if you're not on medication.

[davef]

Most days I test morning, before and two hours after lunch, before and two hours after dinner and last thing at night.

Some days I will only test morning, before lunch, before driving and before bed.

I would recommend regular testing as it helps you learn how different foods work for you. Always test before driving.

I treat if I hit about 65-67 and I'm not due to eat. Remeber the 15/15 guide, if low consume 15g of fast acting carbs and then test after 15 minutes.

[inspiredbyjonas]

Thank you!! You're all so helpful. So, should I do this right away and every day? And keep some kind of chart?

And, tell me if I'm mistaken, I have to check with my doctor before I do this, or should I do it starting ASAP and ask my doctor how frequent?

My internet cuts off at 10, btw, so if I don't answer, that's why.

[davef]

You don't have to checked with your Doctor, but you may want to get a prescription for the meter/strips, in the US I understand that strips are about $1 a piece.

[inspiredbyjonas]

Goodness! That's expensive.

So, break this down:

Once when I get up, 2 hours after breakfast, before lunch, 2 hours after lunch, before dinner, 2 hours after dinner, before bed. Before driving.

And make a chart.

Whew!

[EeyoreButterfly]

I have prediabetes, and I don't check quite that often. I check when I wake up, two hours after each meal, and when I go to bed. I don't test before driving, but I haven't had any dangerous lows (in danger of passing out). I don't think at this point that you need to test before every meal. I would consult with your doctor. First of all, s/he could probably get you a free meter. Secondly, they can tell you when the best times for you to test are.

[inspiredbyjonas]

So, I guess I'll hang tight then.

Thank you!

Talk to you tomorrow.

[UpNorth]

If i were you, i'd test before driving and doing other things that might become dangerous if getting low. And then just generally check if feeling something isn't quite right, or if there is a certain time period in the day when the lows has been most frequent. I'm T1 and test about 10-12 times on a normal day...

Test when you feel you need to, and maybe take a day or so every week when you test more often to see if there is any trends.

[inspiredbyjonas]

I am so confused!

And, what do ya'll think that I should actually SAY to my doctor?

[EeyoreButterfly]

Obviously everybody is different, which is why you are getting conflicting advice. I would just explain to your doctor what your symptoms are and what you suspect is going on. Tell him that you have read about testing with meters and ask him if that is right for you. Ask him how often you should test, and what your particular numbers should be.

[inspiredbyjonas]

Okay, thank you so much!