According to the National Diabetes Information Clearing House, at least 10.4 percent of Hispanics over the age of 20 have some form of diabetes. Diabetes not only affects the body’s ability to process sugar but can also pave the way for life-threatening illnesses like hypertension, atherosclerosis and heart disease. Proper care, including regular check-ups and regularly checking your blood sugar levels, will keep the disease in check and help prevent further health problems.
Normal Blood Sugar Levels
Normal blood sugar levels are between 60 and 120 mg/dl. Blood sugar levels fluctuate during the day and tend to be lower in the morning and higher after eating. Spikes and drops in blood sugar are normal and the body usually adjusts. For diabetics, medication and/or diet should help keep levels in check, but consistent levels below 60 or above 200 are cause for alarm.
Checking Your Blood Sugar
In order to check your blood sugar you need a blood glucose monitor. You can purchase a monitor from the pharmacy, but you may need a prescription from your doctor. Some manufacturers will provide a monitor free of charge and all you’ll have to buy are the test strips.
Take readings several times a day, especially first thing in the morning and around meal times. When you eat, your blood sugar levels will rise and you may need to administer insulin. Take readings before your shots to make sure you are giving yourself the right amount of insulin.
To take a reading, prick your finger with a lancet and place one drop of blood on the test strip. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for feeding the strip into the meter. The meter will automatically read the blood drop and display the blood sugar reading.