Testing your blood glucose

Testing your blood glucose

Testing your blood glucose, also known as Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose (SMBG), is a method of checking how much glucose (sugar) is in the blood using a glucose meter — anywhere, anytime. Your doctor can also test your glucose from a blood sample that is checked in the lab.

Blood glucose targets for non-pregnant adults*

Before meal	80-130 mg/dL
After meal	Less than 180 mg/dL

Your doctor uses what is called an A1C (Glycosylated Hemoglobin) test to see what your average blood glucose level has been over the recent 3 months. Used for all types of diabetes, this test gives you and your doctor an indication on how well you are responding to your treatment plan. The recommended goal is to keep the level below seven percent (7%). Your doctor will talk to you about the goal that is right for you. The A1C test is sometimes referred to as the hemoglobin A1c, HbA1c or glycohemoglobin test.

The importance of self-testing

Your A1C test result will not show the daily effects of food choices and activity on your blood glucose levels. A blood glucose meter is a good way to test and track the immediate effects of food, activity and other changes in your blood glucose levels. This allows you to take immediate action to bring your glucose levels within range as recommended by your doctor. Your doctor may also rely on your blood glucose meter results, in addition to your A1C test result, to assess and adjust your treatment plan.

The connection between A1C and average blood sugar levels.

Adapted from Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes. American Diabetes Association—2019.

When to test* and what to look for – a practical guide

Use this simple chart to help guide you on when to test and what to observe to help you manage your blood glucose levels on a daily basis, especially if you take insulin for your diabetes.

When to test	What to look for
First thing in the morning, before you eat or drink	How your body/medication controls your blood glucose overnight
Before meals	How effective your diabetes medicine dose is between meals How to adjust your choice of food (carbohydrates) and portion(s) for the meal
1-2 hours after meals	The effect of food and/or medicine on your blood glucose levels
Before physical activity	Whether to delay or postpone exercise Whether to have a snack before you begin exercise
During and after physical activity	How physical activity affects your blood glucose Whether your activity has any delayed effect on your blood glucose
Before going to bed	Whether you need a snack before bed
Before driving	Whether you need to delay driving and act to help drive safely
As suggested by your healthcare professional	How well your treatment plan is working

You may need to test your blood glucose more often* when:

you have hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) or hyperglycemia (high blood glucose)
you start taking new, prescribed diabetes medicine(s)
your diabetes medicine dose is adjusted
you try new foods
you are sick or don’t feel well

*Always check with your doctor if, when and how often you need to test your blood glucose.

Recording your blood glucose results

You can keep a logbook handy where you can manually record your blood glucose readings.
You can find logbooks at your doctor’s office, healthcare centers, and even online. (Download one here.)
Always update your blood glucose records and take them with you to your doctor visits. Your healthcare professionals can use them when determining the proper treatment plan for you.