Certainly! Here are the common mistakes to avoid when monitoring blood glucose levels:
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Focusing Only on Fasting Blood Sugar:
- Post-meal high blood sugar can be more harmful than fasting high blood sugar. Long-term elevated levels contribute to cardiovascular complications such as atherosclerosis, fragile blood vessels, heart attacks, and strokes.
- Even without noticeable symptoms, damage occurs continuously. Don’t underestimate the risks.
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Misunderstanding Post-Meal Blood Sugar:
- Measuring blood sugar 2 hours after a meal reflects your body’s insulin reserve capacity (ability to secrete insulin in response to increased sugar load) and whether your meal and medication doses are appropriate.
- The 2-hour post-meal blood sugar starts from the first bite, not after finishing the meal.
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Neglecting Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) Testing:
- HbA1c reflects average blood sugar levels over the past 2 to 3 months.
- Regular HbA1c testing is essential. Aim to keep HbA1c below 7%.
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Infrequent Blood Sugar Monitoring:
- Avoid the mistake of rarely testing blood sugar due to cost concerns or negligence.
- Regular monitoring is crucial for effective diabetes management.
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Relying on Self-Perception Instead of Testing:
- Don’t rely solely on how you feel to judge blood sugar levels.
- Many individuals with high blood sugar may not experience obvious symptoms. Consistently elevated levels increase the risk of complications.
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Skipping Overnight Blood Sugar Checks:
- Differentiate between dawn phenomenon (insufficient nighttime medication leading to morning high blood sugar) and Somogyi effect (excessive medication causing nighttime hypoglycemia followed by rebound high blood sugar).
- To determine the cause, monitor blood sugar at 3 AM. Adjust medication cautiously based on results.
Remember, accurate blood sugar monitoring is essential for effective diabetes management. Avoid these common mistakes to maintain better control and reduce complications.