Testing for Diabetes at Home
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Because diabetes management is a process of keeping blood glucose (blood sugar) levels within a healthy range, it requires consistent testing and monitoring. Part of that management includes figuring out an at-home (and on-the-go) testing system that makes you comfortable, keeps you healthy, and fits within your budget.
At-home test kits can also be useful to determine whether concerning symptoms indicate that you might have diabetes. These symptoms might be but aren’t limited to increased thirst and urination, delayed healing of injuries, numb or tingling hands or feet, fatigue and blurry vision.See Disclosure 1
Both kinds of diabetes, type 1 and type 2, can exhibit these symptoms. Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease that generally develops in childhood (but can begin in early adulthood). Alternatively, type 2 usually occurs in adulthood, although some children and teens may also be diagnosed. Additionally, a temporary condition of diabetes, known as gestational diabetes, can occur during pregnancy.
It's important to remember that if you are using an at-home glucose test and the result shows that your blood glucose is outside the healthy range, you need to seek medical care immediately. Diabetes can be life threatening if not addressed. Keep in mind that even if an at-home test is inconclusive or does not indicate a blood glucose issue, you should still schedule a doctor’s visit to figure out what is causing your symptoms. In the meantime, to understand the basic kinds of testing and monitoring involved in diabetes care, continue reading the guide below.
The traditional finger-prick method.
Using a small lancet (a small, sterile needle) to prick your finger to provide a sample is the most common method for testing blood sugar levels. After your finger is pricked, you place a drop of blood on a test strip. Then, you insert the test strip into a glucose meter which gives you a visual reading of your current blood sugar level.
The glucose monitor testing method of pricking your finger to draw blood is accurate, but it can be painful since there are so many nerve endings in your fingertips. Plus, it can be especially irritating because you must use it multiple times a day since insulin and glucose levels shift when you eat and exercise. As an alternative, look for glucose test models that allow you to draw a small amount of blood from other areas of the body so that you don’t have to use your fingertips.
Advanced diagnostics with continuous glucose monitoring.
A newer way to track glucose levels is by wearing a small device called a continuous glucose monitor. This type of health monitor has a sensor that goes under your skin and measures the contents of the interstitial fluid (the fluid that exists around your cells) every few minutes. Then, a transmitter adhered to the surface of your skin sends that data to a receiver where you can read it. Some smart health devices are designed to have the data sent directly to your smartphone.
Because readings happen every few minutes, continuous glucose monitoring can give you a more complete picture of how your blood sugar level changes throughout the day. One thing to note, however, is that there is a slight lag time (up to 13 minutes if you are exercising) in recording blood glucose levels with a continuous glucose monitor.2 This is because the unit relies on readings from interstitial fluid around blood cells, not directly from the cells. Therefore, if you need to know your current blood sugar level immediately, use a finger-prick test instead.
Assessing ketone levels with urine testing.
Ketones are chemicals produced by the liver that help support metabolism and other functions in the body. Ketones can build up if your body is burning fat for energy rather than carbohydrates. Some people might be purposely trying to achieve a state of ketosis through a special diet or diabetes management. However, too many ketones can cause blood to become overly acidic, which can have serious consequences.See Disclosure 3
Therefore, a urine ketone test can help you and your doctor assess whether your diabetes management is on the right path or needs to be adjusted. While urine testing does not tend to be a daily part of diabetes management like glucose testing, it might need to be part of a regular routine if certain problematic symptoms begin to occur.
Additional technologies that can help manage your diabetes.
Fortunately, managing your diabetes has become easier due to advances in medical technology. For instance, rather than giving yourself insulin shots on a regular basis to manage your type 1 diabetes, you can now choose an insulin pump to automatically dispense insulin as needed. Another health and wellness solution is to add apps to your smartphone and smartwatch that help track your progress. These apps can also help you keep a reliable record of your diet and exercise routines.
Furthermore, if you want to get a clearer sense of your body’s response to different forms of exercise, you can try using a fitness tracker that will monitor vitals such as your heart rate. No matter what testing method you choose, make sure to talk to your doctor about what options are available so that you can make your routine as simple as possible and achieve your health and wellness goals.
References.
1. Ramachandran, A. “Know the Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes.” Indian Journal of Medical Research, Medknow Publications. November 2014. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4311308/.
2. Zaharieva, Dessi P., Kamuran Turksoy, Sarah M. McGaugh, Rubin Pooni, Todd Vienneau, Trang Ly and Michael C. Riddell. “Lag Time Remains with Newer Real-Time Continuous Glucose Monitoring Technology during Aerobic Exercise in Adults Living with Type 1 Diabetes.” Diabetes Technology and Therapeutics, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. May 22, 2019. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/dia.2018.0364.
3. Chiasson, Jean-Louis, Nahla Aris-Jilwan, Raphaël Bélanger, Sylvie Bertrand, Hugues Beauregard, Jean-Marie Ékoé, Hélène Fournier and Jana Havrankova. Canadian Medical Association Journal, Canadian Medical Association. April 1, 2003. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC151994/.
Additional information:
These statements and any information contained herein are intended for educational purposes only and are not meant to substitute for medical care or to prescribe treatment for any specific health condition. Carefully review product labels for instructions and important safety information and consider consulting with a health care professional regarding your use of health and wellness products.