Testing

All types of testing are helpful because they let you know how your diabetes plan is working. Through testing, you can make sure you are in tight control of your blood sugar in order to reduce the complications that can happen. Along with watching your weight, blood pressure and blood fats (called lipids), you need to do three types of testing.

Blood Sugar

Blood sugar testing, often called self-testing, tells you how much sugar is in your blood at any point in time. This testing tells you how your treatment plan is working for you at the time of your test and if you need to make any meal, medication and exercise changes right away.

Ketone

Ketones are a type of acid that are left over when your body burns some of its own fat for fuel. Ketones get removed from your bloodstream into your urine.

By checking your ketones, you can make sure your body isn't burning fat instead of sugar. Ketone testing helps you avoid a medical emergency.

A1C Testing (Hemoglobin A1C or HbA1C)

In one day, your blood sugar levels change a lot. The best way to control your blood sugar levels from day-to-day is by self-testing regularly. However, self-testing cannot give you a long-term picture.  A1C testing gives you the big picture by telling you your average blood sugar level over the last 2 to 3 months, and if you need to make overall changes to your treatment plan.