How to do Diabetes Testing

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By PJWilliams
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do Diabetes Testing

Whether you have or think you may have diabetes, there are three types of diabetes testing you need to know about. First, is the regular blood sugar test for which supplies are advertised on TV regularly. Second is the A1C test which is done by a doctor. Both types of tests should be done to diagnose and monitor diabetes. Lastly, is a ketone test which is only done if a person thinks there is a problem.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

SELF BLOOD TEST You can tell your immediate blood sugar through this kind of test. If you have diabetes, your blood sugar should be between 70-150 and no higher than 200 within two hours of a meal. To do this test, poke your finger or arm with a lancet (a small needle). You can buy a little 'gun' to quickly poke yourself with the lancet. Then you place a drop of blood on a test strip which is inserted into a meter. You can get a free meter through a variety of ways. But be careful. While the meter may be free, you have to buy the test strips which can be up to $2 a strip! Shop around for test strip prices before choosing a free meter.
Step 2

A1C BLOOD TEST If diabetes testing like that described in step 1 is abnormal, a doctor should take an A1C test to diagnose diabetes. If you have the disease, then every three to four months you should go back for this. It provides an overall picture of your blood sugar level for the past 120 days. You see, red blood cells connect (or glycate) with glucose in the blood as they carry oxygen to the body. Blood cells live for 120 days before being replaced with new cells. The A1C test tells the percentage of glycated hemoglobin in the blood.
Step 3

KETONE TEST If someone with diabetes feels sick to the stomach (nausea, vomitting, stomach pains) or has a blood sugar level of 240 or higher before eating, they should do this last type of diabetes testing. Ketones are made when the body breaks down fat and are only present if your body is not properly using glucose. Normally, you should have NO ketones. You can test for this through the blood or urine. Blood tests for ketones are more accurate. Some glucose meters also test for ketones. The most common way is to test urine by collecting a sample and using a strip or tablet which changes color if ketones are present.