When to Test

Testing needs can vary for each person. You and your healthcare team should discuss a testing plan. Some issues to consider:

• What type of diabetes you have
  
• The type, amount, and frequency of your diabetes pills or insulin,
  
• How much your blood glucose changes during the day because of your activities (food, physical activity, medication, stress, illness)
  
• What you intend to do with - or learn from - the results of your tests.

• Fasting glucose test tells whether the insulin your body is producing - or you are injecting -- is controlling blood glucose overnight. Starting the day with blood glucose in your goal range is very helpful to overall control.
  
• Pre-meal glucose test can help guide decisions about food and insulin for the coming meal.
  
• After-meal glucose test (also called "post-prandial") tells how your meal impacted your blood glucose, and whether your body had the right amount of insulin to cover the food you ate. This is the test that helps you learn the most about your food choices.

• It's a good idea to exercise at your peak energy level -- usually one to three hours after meals.
  
• To avoid hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), test your blood glucose before exercising.
  
• Be aware that physical activity can also increase blood glucose levels, so be cautious if your blood glucose is already high.
  
• The American Diabetes Association recommends:
  
  • If low blood glucose (hypoglycemia) interferes with your exercise routine, eating a snack before you exercise may help. Discuss snacks and medication adjustments with your doctor.
    
  • Blood glucose should be 70 mg/dL or higher to continue exercising
    
  • Avoid exercise if glucose levels are above 300 mg/dL
    
  • For people with Type 1 diabetes, if your fasting glucose is above 250 mg/dL and you have ketones in your urine, talk with your doctor about a specific plan of action.