DETECT AND DIAGNOSE DIABETES
Glucose Monitoring
KEEPING UP WITH YOUR GLUCOSE
About Glucose Monitoring
Everyone has some level of glucose (sugar) in their blood. In people without diabetes, the pancreas makes insulin to allow this sugar to enter the body’s cells. The body then uses the glucose for energy and stores the rest. In people with diabetes, the body does not produce the right amount of insulin to handle all of the glucose. People with type 2 diabetes and prediabetes also are not able to use the insulin they have as efficiently as healthy people. That’s why it’s important for anyone with type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, or prediabetes to monitor their glucose levels.
A QUICK REFERENCE
What is Glucose Monitoring?
Blood glucose monitoring is the process through which someone tracks how much sugar is in their blood. Some people need continuous glucose monitoring, while others can check their blood sugar levels throughout the day. Depending on your unique needs, you communicate your results with your care team in a number of ways. Either high or low blood sugar requires immediate intervention. Early treatment is key, which is why glucose monitoring is so important.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
Signs and Symptoms of High Blood Sugar Levels
Anyone with diabetes needs glucose monitoring at some level or another. If you’ve been told that you have diabetes, you should check with a provider to learn how often you should monitor your levels, what your target range should be, and what to do if you’re outside of your target range. In serious cases, untreated high blood sugar can lead to a diabetic coma. It can be fatal.
Frequent Urination
The urge or necessity to urinate more frequently than normal
Headache
Typical feelings or symptoms associated with headaches
Fatigue
Feeling tired or drained
Increased Thirst
A higher than normal feeling of thirst
Blurry Vision
Your normal vision has become blurry
Abdominal Pain
Pain in and around the abdomen
Breath That Smells Fruity or Sweet
A newly formed smell of fruit or sweetness on the breath
Confusion, Dizziness, Weakness, or Fainting
Feelings such as being dizzy, confused, weak, or even fainting
Trouble Breathing
Difficulty breathing when you normally don't have that issue
Nausea or Vomiting
Sensations of nausea, unease, and vomiting
SIGNS OF LOW BLOOD SUGAR
Signs and Symptoms of Hypoglycemia
Sometimes, someone with diabetes may not have enough blood sugar. This condition, called hypoglycemia, has symptoms such as:
Rapid Heartbeat
Increased heart rate
Feeling Shaky or Dizzy
A feeling of shaking, trembling, or dizziness that you normally do not experience
Difficulty Concentrating
You are having trouble concentrating on tasks
Hunger
An unusual, or noticeably strong sense of hunger
Headache
Typical symptoms and feelings associated with headaches
Feeling Anxious, Nervous, Confused, or Irritable
You begin feeling anxious, nervous, uneasy, confused, or even irritable
DETECTING AND TREATING FOR HIGH AND LOW GLUCOSE
Testing & Treatment
Glucose monitoring relies on blood tests. The technology for glucose monitoring has come so far that just a drop or so of blood can tell you a lot about your health status. Better yet, you can take glucose monitors with you everywhere.
CONTINUOUS GLUCOSE MONITOR
INTERMITTENT GLUCOSE MONITOR
HIGH CARBOHYDRATE-BASED SNACKS
INSULIN INJECTION
HOW WE CAN HELP
What to Expect at Your Appointment
If you need glucose monitoring services, contact the closest Center for Advanced Wellness today. We can schedule you for an initial appointment and begin monitoring services. Before your appointment, be sure to confirm your time and arrive 15 minutes early.
ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS
FAQs About Glucose Monitoring
Have questions about blood sugar levels and glucose monitoring? We have your answers.
Do I need insurance for glucose monitoring services?
No. We are happy to serve patients with or without insurance. If you have insurance, your cost will depend on your coverage. If you don’t have insurance or your deductible is simply too high, consider our membership plans. Options start at $50 per month for adults and bring your copays at our clinic to just $10.
What are the benefits of continuous glucose monitoring?
Not only does continuous glucose monitoring reduce the need for finger sticks, but you can also remotely share data and more thoroughly track your progress.
What is worse: high or low blood pressure?
Both high and low blood sugar levels are serious concerns. Although you may experience different symptoms with each, they are both equally important to treat as quickly as possible.
Can you have hypoglycemia without having diabetes?
Although very rare, you can have low blood sugar even without having diabetes. Providers will generally test for low blood sugar, and then see if the addition of sugar alleviates symptoms to help confirm hypoglycemia.
Turn to Center of Advanced Wellness for Glucose Monitoring
If you need help with glucose monitoring or glucose treatment around San Antonio or Frisco, turn to the trusted experts at Center of Advanced Wellness. We'll make sure you get the care you deserve.