I have type 2 and sometimes do not pay the respect to my body that I should, my last hospital blood test was 9.1 which came at a stress time with being wrongly told that may have had a minor brain bleed, went to the doctor who just sat waving a prescription for metformin and a blood test request for August, no discussion or anything, I will not take any drugs without i know the side effects. Any way I have not taken the drug and blood sugar since has averaged 6.6 over the last month always test after a walk [7miles on average] thats not without 18 holes of golf on top. When should I actually be testing bloods as soon as getting up or after exercise?
My doctor told me that I did not need to do daily blood tests but trust him which is hard to do when he just does not explain anything. My weight is 12st 7lbs which is nearly a stone off in a month, not bad considering we are away on holiday.
Hi and welcome,
Most type 2s are told not to test by doctors. This is a purely financial thing because they are not generally allowed to prescribe meters and strips to those not on certain strong drugs or insulin. (again for financial reasons). Most of us have to self fund.
It isn't exercise that needs testing initially. That can come later when you have sorted out your diet. Diet is the key.
Test immediately before you eat
Test again 2 hours after first bite
Look at the difference in levels from before to after. Any rise should be less than 2mmol/l and preferably less
More than 2mmol/l there were too many carbs in that meal
Keep a detailed food diary including portion sizes
Record your levels alongside and look for patterns.
Before long your personal danger foods will show themselves.
Use this method to guide you with your food choices - act on what you see.
Also make notes about exercise, stress levels, illness etc. and see if these have affected your levels.
Note that exercise can raise your levels in the short term, as can stress, illness, other medications.
You can try testing at other times, such as an hour after eating, 3 or 4 hours after eating, before and after exercise etc.
Some people also test immediately on getting out of bed (this is your fasting BG) and bedtime. However, the before and 2 hours after is the most important initially, as long as you keep records and learn from what you see.
