Essential advice for people with diabetes from Accu-Chek. Time to test. G1812 Time to Test leaflet v5.indd 1 25/02/ :43

Transcription

1 Essential advice for people with diabetes from Accu-Chek Time to test G1812 Time to Test leaflet v5.indd 1 25/02/ :43

2 Why do I need to check m Going for a jog, drinks after work, eating out or a sneaky midnight snack; these are things most people take for granted, unless you have diabetes. Doing unplanned exercise, drinking alcohol and missing meals can mean problems with your blood glucose. But while high blood glucose levels are linked to health problems later in life, low levels can give you a hypo. Only by keeping your blood glucose under control can you greatly reduce the risk of ill health now and in the future. G1812 Time to Test leaflet v5.indd 2 25/02/ :43

3 k my blood glucose? Blood glucose testing is an important way of keeping an eye on what s going on and an essential tool for managing your diabetes. G1812 Time to Test leaflet v5.indd 3 25/02/ :43

4 Making blood glucose t Not everyone with diabetes has to test their blood glucose regularly, but it can play an important role in your diabetes care. For people on tablets it can be helpful to clarify certain situations, and for those on insulin it provides essential information on a daily or even hourly basis. Blood glucose testing An essential tool for people with diabetes For you Makes you aware of when your blood glucose is too high (9mmol/l) or too low (4mmol/l or under). Tells you how your body reacts to changes in your exercise/diet. G1812 Time to Test leaflet v5.indd 4 25/02/ :43

5 e testing work for you For your doctor or nurse Establishes control when starting/changing medication. Tracks the effects of your treatment. Gives information to adjust your treatment. For your insulin treatment Ensures your dose meets your body s needs. Checks your blood glucose is controlled after a meal. G1812 Time to Test leaflet v5.indd 5 25/02/ :43

6 Should I be testing m Your diabetes is specific to you. Whether you test or how often depends on your type of diabetes, your treatment and your individual circumstances. You should decide, together with your healthcare team, when and how frequently you should test, the current recommendations are overleaf. G1812 Time to Test leaflet v5.indd 6 25/02/ :43

7 g my blood glucose? G1812 Time to Test leaflet v5.indd 7 25/02/ :43

8 Should I be testing m For type 1 diabetes Children and young people should aim for: Fasting blood glucose levels of 4 7 mmol/l on waking. A blood glucose reading before meals at other times of the day between 4-7 mmol/l. An after meal reading of 5-9 mmol/l Test at least 5 times per day, up to 10 times depending on circumstance such as illness (talk to your healthcare professional for advice). G1812 Time to Test leaflet v5.indd 8 25/02/ :43

9 g my blood glucose? Adults should aim for: Fasting blood glucose levels of 5 7 mmol/l on waking. A blood glucose reading before meals at other times of the day between 4-7 mmol/l. An after meal reading of 5-9mmol/l at least 90 minutes after eating. Test at least 4 times per day (including before each meal and before bed), and up to 10 times depending on circumstance such as illness, pregnancy or legal reasons (talk to your healthcare professional for advice). Based on NICE guidelines, reviewed January G1812 Time to Test leaflet v5.indd 9 25/02/ :43

10 Should I be testing m For type 1 diabetes Pregnant women with diabetes: If you have diabetes and are planning to become pregnant, you should aim for a fasting blood glucose level of 5-7 mmol/l on waking and 4-7 mmol/l before meals at other times of the day. If you have any form of diabetes and are already pregnant, NICE recommend: A fasting blood glucose levels of 5.3mmol/l. An after meal reading 1 hour after meals: 7.8mmol/l or 2 hours after meals: 6.4mmol/l. If you have any form of diabetes and are planning to become pregnant or are pregnant, please seek advice from your healthcare professional on blood glucose testing. G1812 Time to Test leaflet v5.indd 10 25/02/ :43

11 g my blood glucose? Diabetes and driving: (for all insulin treated diabetes) You should always carry your blood glucose meter and test strips with you. You should test your blood glucose no more than 2 hours before the start of the first journey and every two hours whilst you are driving. The intention is to ensure that blood glucose is always above 5.0mmol/l while driving. In each case if your blood glucose is 5.0mmol/l or less, take a snack. If it is less than 4.0mmol/l or you feel hypoglycaemic, do not drive. SAFETY ADVICE: Always stop at a safe place to test, never perform blood glucose tests whilst driving. G1812 Time to Test leaflet v5.indd 11 25/02/ :43

12 How do I test my b For type 2 diabetes NICE guidelines for type 2 diabetes were published in December The guidelines recommend self-monitoring of blood glucose if you use insulin or take tablets that may put you at risk of a hypo. If you are ill, drive or have changed medication or your lifestyle, then testing your blood glucose is also recommended. Not everyone with Type 2 diabetes will need to regularly test their blood glucose. Speak to your healthcare team to make a joint decision about whether self-testing is right for you. G1812 Time to Test leaflet v5.indd 12 25/02/ :43

13 y blood glucose? Blood glucose testing is much easier than it used to be. In fact, with the right techniques and technology it s virtually pain-free. All you need is a blood glucose meter system, with a finger-pricker. There are many different types of meter systems available and each offer their own range of features. While some basic meters are simple to use, others can provide more in-depth information to help you get better control. It s really up to you to decide which is right for you. G1812 Time to Test leaflet v5.indd 13 25/02/ :43

14 What do my r Testing your blood glucose is only half the story, you also have to know what the results mean and then act on them. Here s a guide to help you get to grips with your results. Your blood glucose reading Between 4 and 7mmol/l before a meal Below 4mmol/l at any time Type 1 diabetes Above 9mmol/l at least 90 minutes after a meal Type 2 diabetes Above 8.5mmol/l two hours after a meal What it means Your blood glucose is okay Your blood glucose is low Your blood glucose is high A N B T s o c s A C A T p y d Discuss targets with your healthcare team as your individual targets may vary. G1812 Time to Test leaflet v5.indd 14 25/02/ :43

15 y results mean? Action None Below 4mmol/l Take 15g-20g rapidly acting carbohydrate such as 3-5 glucose tablets or a handful of sweets then eat some longer acting carbohydrate food such as biscuits or a sandwich. Wait 15mins and then test again. Always below 4mmol/l Consult your diabetes doctor or nurse. Above 9mmol/l The occasional high reading is not a problem but if it is always above 9mmol/l you should consult your doctor or diabetes nurse. G1812 Time to Test leaflet v5.indd 15 25/02/ :43

16 Did you know? Regular tests provide valuable information for both you and your diabetes team. Find out what level of testing is recommended for you. Understand what your results mean and how to act on them. Consult your doctor or nurse if your blood glucose is always above 9mmol/l Date of prep: January 2016 For more about the range of free diabetes information booklets, please call the Accu-Chek Customer Careline*: (UK) (ROI) or log on to *To improve the quality of our service, calls may be recorded. Some mobile operators may charge. ACCU-CHEK is a trademark of a Member of the Roche Group 2016 Roche Diabetes Care Limited. Charles Avenue, Burgess Hill, West Sussex, RH15 9RY. Company Registration Number: G1812 Time to Test leaflet v5.indd 16 25/02/ :43