4 Common Mistakes People Make When Checking Blood Sugar Levels (And How to Avoid Them)

Checking your blood sugar levels is an essential part of managing your health, particularly for those with diabetes or those at risk. However, simply testing your blood sugar is not enough to get an accurate picture of your health. Many individuals make mistakes when testing their blood sugar, which can lead to misleading results. It’s crucial to understand these common errors and how to avoid them to ensure your blood sugar readings are as accurate as possible.

Let’s look at the four main mistakes people make when testing blood sugar and how to properly monitor your levels.

1. Thinking You Can Have Tea Before a Fasting Blood Sugar Test

One of the most common mistakes people make is consuming tea or other drinks before a fasting blood sugar test. While plain water is acceptable, anything else, including tea, coffee, or sugary drinks, can affect your blood sugar levels.

Fasting blood sugar tests require you to fast for at least eight hours before the test, meaning no food or beverages except for water during that time. This helps ensure that the test measures your baseline blood sugar level without interference from anything you may have consumed.

For best results, fasting blood sugar tests should be conducted between 6 AM and 8 AM. This timeframe helps you maintain a consistent routine and minimize any variations caused by the time of day.

2. Only Testing Fasting Blood Sugar or Testing Only After Meals

Many people either test their blood sugar only while fasting or only after eating, but both of these methods alone don’t provide a comprehensive view of your blood sugar levels.

To get an accurate assessment of your blood sugar, you need to perform at least three different tests:

• Fasting blood sugar test: To measure your baseline blood sugar after an overnight fast.
• Post-meal blood sugar test: This test measures your blood sugar levels 1.5 to 2 hours after eating. This helps assess how your body handles glucose after consuming food.
• HbA1c test: This test reflects your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months and is crucial for determining your long-term blood sugar control.

By combining these three tests, you can get a clear picture of your blood sugar levels and make more informed decisions about your health.

3. Believing That Using a Glucometer is Always Accurate

While glucometers are convenient tools for monitoring blood sugar at home, they are not always 100% accurate. According to the manufacturers of glucometers, there can be a difference of 20-30 mg/dl in the blood sugar readings, which can be significant, especially in cases of very high or low readings.

A glucometer should not be used to diagnose diabetes or make significant changes to your treatment plan. However, they can be useful for getting a rough idea of your blood sugar levels. For example:

• If your glucometer reads 300 mg/dl, you know your blood sugar is dangerously high.
• If your glucometer reads 50 mg/dl, and you're experiencing symptoms of low blood sugar, this is a sign that you need to take action.

In cases where you are uncertain about your blood sugar levels or if the readings seem abnormal, you should confirm the results with a lab test. Always consult your healthcare provider to interpret the results and determine next steps.

4. Preparing Meals and Exercising Properly Before the Test

Many people try to “prepare” for a blood sugar test by adjusting their eating habits or increasing physical activity right before the test. However, this is not the correct approach.

For an accurate reading of your blood sugar, it’s important to test under your normal, daily habits, not after making changes to “impress” the doctor or comfort yourself. This is especially important when undergoing fasting blood sugar tests or post-meal tests. If you alter your diet or exercise routine just before the test, the results may not reflect your true blood sugar levels and could lead to incorrect conclusions about your health.

Remember, accuracy matters when it comes to managing your blood sugar and overall health. Adjusting your routine for the sake of a test will only provide misleading results and may affect the treatment recommendations from your healthcare provider.

Top FAQs About Blood Sugar Testing

1. How long should I fast before a blood sugar test? You should fast for at least eight hours before a fasting blood sugar test. This means no food or drinks other than water during this period.

2. What is the best time to do a fasting blood sugar test? The best time to perform a fasting blood sugar test is between 6 AM and 8 AM. This helps ensure a consistent test result and aligns with your body’s natural circadian rhythms.

3. Can I use my glucometer to diagnose diabetes? No, glucometers are not intended for diagnosing diabetes. They can give you a general idea of your blood sugar levels, but you should confirm any abnormal readings with a lab test and consult your doctor for a proper diagnosis.

4. Why do I need the HbA1c test if I test my blood sugar regularly? The HbA1c test gives you an average of your blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. This long-term test is essential for assessing how well your blood sugar is controlled over time, while daily tests only reflect short-term fluctuations.

5. What should I eat before a blood sugar test? Before a fasting blood sugar test, you should not eat or drink anything other than water. For other tests, make sure you follow your usual eating and drinking habits, without making changes specifically for the test.

Conclusion

Accurate blood sugar testing is essential for monitoring your health, especially if you are at risk for diabetes or already managing the condition. Avoid these common mistakes when checking your blood sugar to ensure your results are accurate and reliable. By testing correctly and following the proper guidelines, you’ll have a clearer understanding of your blood sugar levels, enabling you to make better decisions for your health and well-being.

If you’re unsure about how to properly test your blood sugar or have any concerns about your readings, don’t hesitate to consult with a healthcare professional. Your health is too important to leave to chance.