Blood Glucose Testing in Orlando, FL
Blood glucose testing, which measures the amount of sugar in the bloodstream, is essential for managing diabetes. Type 1 diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce a sufficient amount of the hormone insulin, which naturally regulates blood glucose levels. Type 2 diabetes occurs when the body does not properly utilize the insulin produced.
When Does Blood Glucose Need to Be Checked?
The level of sugar in the bloodstream is a key health indicator. A doctor may order a blood glucose test to diagnose diabetes or prediabetes (higher than normal blood sugar levels), or as part of a routine checkup.
Diabetes can cause blood glucose levels to vary dramatically, sometimes causing them to be too high, and other times causing them to be too low. Each extreme can lead to serious health complications, such as cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, nerve problems, and seizures. That’s why blood glucose testing is so important for diabetics.
Most people who are diagnosed with diabetes work with a doctor to establish an appropriate blood glucose testing routine. Some diabetics check their blood sugar levels once a week or once a month, while others do so several times a day. The optimum testing frequency can vary based on many factors, including the patient’s overall health. For instance, an infection or another illness can affect how the body processes glucose, so blood glucose testing may need to be performed more frequently during recovery.
A Key Component of Diabetes Management
Regular blood glucose testing is a reliable and accurate way to monitor diabetes. The results can be used to assess the effectiveness of a diabetes management plan, which may include a special diet, an exercise program, and/or prescribed medications. This is the best way to ensure that blood sugar levels remain within safe limits.
If you are living with diabetes, it is important to work with a doctor who can provide the level of support you need. If you’re a member of Optimum Direct Care in Orlando, FL, that doctor is Dr. Toni “Muzzi” Muzzonigro. Contact us today to find out how Dr. Muzzi can help you achieve and maintain optimum health for life.
