Keeping a close eye on your blood glucose levels to make sure that they stay within normal limits is very important. If levels remain too high there is a risk of long term damage to blood vessels and nerves. If glucose levels go too low as a result of excess drug treatment or missing meals there is a risk of hypoglycaemia or ‘hypos’.

Scientific research has shown that people who regularly monitor their blood glucose levels feel better, are less depressed, have fewer heart problems, less complications and a lower risk of death than those who do not monitor regularly. Consequently, get into the habit of monitoring your blood glucose levels regularly, and strive to keep the levels within the target figures set for you by your doctor or diabetes care team. It is important to do this even when feeling well since the effects of uncontrolled blood glucose levels may not become obvious for many years, by which time irreversible damage may have occurred.

Experts recommend that people with diabetes test before and after meals to gain the greatest benefit from their blood glucose monitoring. The best times to test are just before and 2 hours after the largest meal of the day. It is important to test before breakfast, when you have not eaten for several hours, and can record fasting blood glucose levels. If you use insulin, you should test at least three times every day. If you do not use insulin you can test less frequently. It is more useful to test several times during 1 or 2 days a week rather then once every day.

You should test more often if you are pregnant, elderly, stressed or unwell, planning to drive, exercise or operate machinery, and when stopping, starting or changing any new medication. Knowing your blood glucose pattern through frequent monitoring allows you to get on with your normal activities safely and without worry.

If you are unsure how to test your blood glucose levels, or are have difficulty in using a blood glucose meter talk to your pharmacist, doctor or nurse for help and advice. There are many meters on the market; it is just a case of finding one that suits you best. 

- Have regular check-ups
- Change your eating habits, keep an eye on sugar and starch intake. Discuss suitable diet plans with your nurse, doctor or dietician
- Give up smoking - smoking increases the chance of developing long-term health problems
- Keep fit - take up regular physical activity such as walking, swimming or dancing.
- Remember to test blood glucose levels regularly