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Managing Type 2 Diabetes
Blood Glucose Monitoring for Type 2 diabetes
Testing blood glucose levels shows the effects of activity, food and medications (tablets and/or insulin) on blood glucose levels. Regular testing allows people to notice changes in their blood glucose levels and act on them. This helps people feel and be in charge of diabetes rather than the diabetes being in charge of them.
A guide for people with Type 2 diabetes
- When first diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes it is wise to test four times a day until you and your GP are satisfied with the levels– before breakfast and two hours after breakfast, lunch and dinner where possible. Testing may be reduced to twice daily once good control is achieved.
- Test once or twice every day, changing the time of day at which your test is done or as directed by your doctor or diabetes educator.
- Suggested times to choose from are:
- before breakfast (fasting)
- two hours after any meal
- before bed
- If you are injecting insulin test before each injection or as advised by your GP or credentialed diabetes educator
If your diabetes is stable, this may be reduced to one or two tests a day, two to three times a week.
You will need to test more often when you are:
- Sick or stressed.
- Experiencing changes in routine or eating habits eg: travelling.
- Changing your medications and/or insulin.
- Being more physically active or less physically active.
- Experiencing symptoms of hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose level, usually felt at under 3.5 mmol/l but can be felt at higher levels).
- Experiencing symptoms of hyperglycaemia (high blood glucose level, usually felt over 15 mmol/l but can be felt at lower levels).
- Experiencing night sweats or morning headaches.
What should I eat?
Healthy eating for people with diabetes is no different to that which is recommended for everyone. By choosing healthy foods and being active you will help manage your blood glucose (sugar) levels and your weight. There is no need to prepare separate meals or buy special foods, so relax and enjoy healthy eating along with the whole family!
To help manage your diabetes, your meals need to be:
- Regular and spread evenly throughout the day.
- Lower in fat, particularly saturated fat.
- Based on high fibre carbohydrate foods such as wholegrain breads and cereals, beans, lentils, vegetables and fruits.
Along with healthy eating, regular physical activity can help you to manage your blood glucose levels, reduce your blood fats (cholesterol and triglycerides) and maintain a healthy weight. For more information refer to Diabetes Australia’s Physical Activity & Diabetes fact sheet about how to be active every day.