How To Get Tested For Diabetes At Home?

There are a few different types of blood glucose tests, but they all provide the same information, which is the quantity of sugar in your blood at that precise moment. For the majority of at-home diabetes tests, you will need 

• a lancet, also known as a very thin needle, as well as a lancing or lancing equipment (to hold the needle)
• test strips to deposit the blood on
• glucose meters that are portable and come with covers and connections so that data may be downloaded if necessary

Please be aware that continuous glucose monitors, often known as CGMs, are an additional method for determining the level of glucose in the blood.

The following is the way you can conduct your diabetes test at home with ease:

• Please clean your hands.
• Prepare the lancet device for use by inserting a lancet into the lancet device.
• After inserting a fresh test strip, read the results on the meter.
• Use the lancet that is included inside the protected lancing device to prick your finger.
• The succeeding drop of blood should be applied to the test strip in a cautious manner, and then the findings will be displayed. 
• In most cases, the results should become visible within a few seconds.

When using some glucose measuring meters, you will need to check that the code printed on the strip is identical to the code printed on the meter itself. You should also check the date that is printed on the strips to ensure that they are not beyond their expiration date.

The vast majority of modern glucose measuring devices are equipped with an option that allows the user to do the test on an alternate spot, such as their forearm. Have a discussion with your primary care physician to figure out what's best for you. Read more about gestational diabetes program.

What is a home diabetes test?

A home diabetes test kit is something that a person with diabetes can use to measure their blood sugar by themself. While it is essential to maintain communication with your primary care physician in order to keep on top of your treatment plan, doing so is also crucial. Monitoring your blood glucose levels on your own may be an essential part of your therapy. If you test your own levels, you may learn how to control your blood sugar no matter what time of day it is or where you are. Also know about pp blood sugar

Who should use a home diabetes test?

In most cases, a doctor will advise you in determining whether or not it is necessary for you to test your blood sugar at home. In such a case, they will determine how often you need to test and at what times of the day you should do it. They will also inform you of the objectives that should be set for your blood sugar levels.

If you have any of the following, you should think about getting a home diabetes test kit:

• If you have type 1 diabetes
• If you have type 2 diabetes
• If you have been diagnosed with prediabetes
• If you experience any of the symptoms of diabetes

Monitoring your blood glucose levels may help you identify any issues with the way you are currently managing your diabetes and assist you in making changes. Also read about are dates good for diabetes

How to do accurate testing?

In most cases, glucose monitoring devices give reliable results. With the guidance of your physician you can determine which test to take. Here are some tips that you should follow for accurate results. 

• In order to determine how the food you eat affects your blood glucose level, you should do tests both before and after meals. 
• It is essential that you be tested anytime your treatment type is altered, as well as if you have symptoms that suggest your diabetic condition could be becoming worse.
• When monitoring your results, a blood glucose chart is an absolute must. Having this information at your disposal may assist you in seeing trends as well as possible issues, regardless of whether you record your readings on paper or electronically.

You need to be sure to save your charts and readings and bring them with you to your next appointment with the doctor. When recording your outcomes, be sure to additionally note the following information:

• the date and time of the test any medications you are taking, as well as the dosage 
• whether the test was before or after a meal 
• foods you ate and the carbohydrate content of those foods 
• any workouts you did that day and when you did them 
• the date and time of the test

Home testing vs. medical testing for Diabetes

When it comes to keeping track of how well your diabetes is being managed on a daily basis, self-monitoring of your blood sugar is very necessary. Due to the fact that glucose levels change throughout the day, the results of a few tests taken once a year at the doctor's office cannot provide an accurate depiction of your situation. On the other hand, this does not imply that home tests should take the place of your routine preventative testing in any way.

Your doctor will probably suggest that you have an A1C test in addition to monitoring your blood sugar levels on your own at home. It calculates the average level of glucose in your blood over the course of the previous two to three months.

Keeping up with your routine laboratory testing might also assist you in determining how effectively you are managing your diabetes. In addition to this, they will assist you and your healthcare team in determining how often you should do your home test and what your goal reading should be. Also know about ayurvedic medicine for diabetes.

Who should undergo Diabetes Testing?

There are multiple causes of diabetes. Some of them are genetic, age, high blood pressure, physical inactivity, PCOS, race, and so on. If there is diabetes in your family history, it is wise to keep tabs on your blood work as well. Certain ethnicities are more susceptible to diabetes than others and should keep an eye on the symptoms that may show. 

The common signs of diabetes are:

1. Having blurry vision
2. Higher frequency of urinating
3. Losing weight without trying
4. Having numb or tingling extremities
5. Feeling tired
6. Having dry skin
7. Slow healing sores, 
8. Prone to more infections than normal,
9. Higher thirst and hunger levels than usual. 

Constant pain in the soles of feet, legs, arms, and other body parts are also signs of abnormal sugar levels. Let us look at what is the test for diabetes for a particular type of diabetes. 

How to Check for Diabetes

Doctors recommend getting the tests done periodically. If you are wondering how to test for diabetes multiple times, you can test your sugar at home with a portable device as well. If you are using this device, there are a few things you should keep in mind to avoid false results. Check your sugar multiple times a day to ascertain the average as the levels change frequently owing to your meal timings and medications. 

Ensure that your device is of good quality and is properly calibrated. The needle should be firmly fixed and the machine should not glitch while using it. Ensure your machine, as well as your hands, are clean and completely dry. There is a list of approved diabetes tests that can help you understand the implications of blood sugar fluctuations and the levels. Also know how diabetes is caused.

Tests for Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, Prediabetes & Gestational Diabetes

There are particular tests meant to identify where you stand on the diabetic spectrum. Let us take a look at these tests and what they are. Let us first take a look at tests for Type 1 Diabetes, Type 2 Diabetes, and Prediabetes.

Also read about sugar level in urine

1. HbA1C Test

A1C is a blood sugar test that determines your average blood sugar over the past 3 months. It is one of the most important tests used to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes. When sugar enters your body, it gets attached to hemoglobin. A1C is the measure of the percentage of sugar attached to each red blood cell or hemoglobin. AN A1C below 5.7% is considered normal. Anything between 5.7% to 6.4% is prediabetes and above 6.4% is a clear indication of diabetes.

2. Fasting Blood Sugar Test

A lot of times, you may have observed that diabetic patients are asked to fast a night before they are to give blood samples. Generally, the patients are required to fast overnight so that the timings for their meals are not disturbed. A blood sugar level of 99 mg/dL or lower is normal. 100 to 125 mg/dL is a sign of prediabetes and 126 mg/dL or higher shows that you have diabetes. 

Fasting blood sugar test is prescribed by doctors to check for diabetes as well as to monitor sugar levels. They give your medical team a clear idea of what needs to be the further plan of action and give you an idea of what you can do to control your blood sugar levels.

Apart from these types of diabetes which can occur at any time during the span of life, there is another type called gestational diabetes. This occurs only when one is pregnant. The body goes through a lot of hormonal and physical changes. Since there is significant weight gain, the amount of insulin required increases however your pancreas can create only a certain level.

Many women suffer from gestational diabetes during the course of their pregnancy. Unfortunately, this type of diabetes does not have any symptoms. Gestational diabetes can lead to high blood pressure and a bigger baby that might lead to a C-section. The only way to know is to get yourself tested. Here are the tests that can help determine whether you have gestational diabetes or not.

3. Glucose Tolerance Test

This test is conducted by introducing measured quantities of glucose in the body and checking for absorption and assimilation of sugar, based on consecutive tests. You are asked to fast overnight. Once you go for your test, you are given a glucose liquid. Your blood is drawn after an hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, and so on. This gives an idea of the active functioning of the body and response to introduced glucose. 

4. Glucose Screening Test

The objective of this test is quite clear in the name. You are asked to drink a liquid that contains glucose and the blood sample is taken an hour later. This gives an idea of your blood sugar levels while you are being tested. The result is said to be normal if it is 140 mg/dL or lower. If it is higher, you are then recommended to take a glucose tolerance test. 

Constant vigilance is the only way to beat diabetes and become a part of the solution. You may follow a healthy lifestyle and an ideal routine, but testing will give you a clear picture of how it affects your body and how much more you need to do to attain the level of sugar that is desirable. Testing from time to time, especially for gestational diabetes, ensures you catch it before it is irreversible and before it does any actual damage to other bodily functions. The risks of not getting tested are too high. Like it is said, better to be safe than sorry. Reversing diabetes takes a lot of effort and discipline and the other health issues that come attached to it are worrisome as well. That is why getting tested is the best way to find the perfect balance and a suitable lifestyle for yourself. 

Bottomline

Diabetes can pop up unannounced when you least expect it. What if you could stop the arrival and change the course of your lifestyle before it is too late? Getting tested for diabetes before you have the symptoms is one way of staying ahead and ensuring you arrest this development in its nascent stage. Here are the tests commonly recommended by doctors to determine whether you have diabetes and what your blood sugar level is. Also read about what is random blood sugar normal range.

FAQs

How to test blood sugar at home naturally?

To track your blood sugar levels, you can easily test your blood sugar levels at home with the help of a machine. You simply need to get some blood off your fingertips using a lancet and place this blood into a clean strip, next, you need to insert this strip into the device and it instantly displays your blood sugar levels. This is the most common method that people use to test diabetes at home. Also know how to reverse prediabetes.

How to test for type 1 diabetes at home?

It is not possible to diagnose the type of diabetes at home. However, if you track unusual readings using a device that measures blood sugar levels then you must get yourself tested by a professional. By taking your blood sample and running some screening tests the type of diabetes is diagnosed. You might have to undergo a few other tests to get accurate results.

How can I check if I am diabetic?

If you start seeing symptoms of diabetes like frequent urination, increased thirst, blurred vision, numbness, etc. there are high chances that you might have diabetes. Before concluding you must undergo some tests that are taken by professionals to accurately know whether you are a diabetic or not.

When should I get tested for diabetes?

Upon experiencing any of diabetes symptoms one should get tested for diabetes after a consultation with their doctor. If you are taking many injections per day, testing is often advised to take place before meals and before going to bed. If you only take intermediate- or long-acting insulin, you may only need to test your blood sugar before breakfast, and sometimes before supper or before going to bed, if you have diabetes.

What tests are done for diabetes?

There are various types of tests that can be conducted for diabetes. Depending on the need, either for short term or long term, there are different tests that show different results. HBA1C measures blood sugar levels over 2-3 months, fasting blood sugar is an overnight test which measures present sugar levels, glucose tolerance test which measures blood sugar levels before and after consuming a glucose drink and random blood sugar test that can be conducted anytime. 

Can you do an insulin resistance test at home?

It is not possible to test insulin levels at home or by yourself. However, Insulin levels can be checked indirectly by conducting tests for diabetes.