MONITORING Why do I need to monitor and how do I use the results? Daily self-monitoring of blood glucose provides people with diabetes the information they need to assess how food, physical activity and medications affect their blood glucose levels. Monitoring, however, doesn’t stop there. People with diabetes also need to regularly check their blood pressure, urine ketones and weight. 

Diabetes education classes instruct patients about equipment choice and selection, timing and frequency of testing, target values, and interpretation and use of results.

1. Monitoring
Washington Association of Diabetes Educators
www.DiabetesAnswers.org or www.WADEpage.org

2. What type of diabetes meter should I use?

3. Blood Glucose testing gives you a
picture of your Diabetes Control
140
70

4. A1c test
Suggested goal: at least less then 7%

5. Blood Glucose Testing the
Basics
Wash hands
Get a drop of blood
Place drop on test strip
Record reading

6. TAKE CARE OF YOUR METER
Don’t store meter in hot, cold, or damp places
Keep meter clean and strips dry
Dispose of used lancets and strips properly

7. Record results in a log book

8. Testing in Pairs

9. The Importance of Postprandial Sugars

10. Find out more
Washington Association of Diabetes Educators
Print handouts and view videos at:
www.DiabetesAnswers.org or www.WADEpage.org