GlucoMeter Values

[WorriedDude]

Dear All,

I have a question regarding the accuracy and value fluctuations of my home glucometer.

Personally i use an Accu-chek Performa.

Sometimes, especially in the morning my blood glucose readings can give me numerous
different figures.

For example, usually in the morning when i test my FBG and get a low value (i.e. 4.5 to 5.1),
I just move on with my morning.

Sometimes I get values like 5.8, i get worried and do a few more tests which usually results in
different values from the first test.

This morning i Tested a 5.8, followed by a retest immediately which gave me a 5.0, and then another test which
gave me a 5.3, and then i took another 2 tests 30 minutes later after showering which gave me a 5.4 and immediately after, a 5.3.


I know fluctuations are normal for home tests. However i would like to know what general value should i accept
from my glucometer. Do i do the math and accept the average figure of all the tests? or do i take the lowest? or the highest?

Also i would like to know if a lack of sleep (3 hours) can raise blood glucose levels, as i tested 5.3 before i went to bed last night.

I am undiagnosed or non-diabetic, and is concerned about changing my lifestyle to help preserve my
pancreas, and the blood glucose reading can really help me understand what lifestyle and diet changes i need.

Thank You

 

[ButtterflyLady]

These fluctuations are normal and really don't tell you anything of value. Just eat a low carb diet, do moderate exercise and get an annual HbA1c check. That's all you need to do about diabetes at the moment.

 

[4ratbags]

There can generally be a 15% margin of error either way. As stated above just make sure to get an annual HbA1c test done and start reducing your carbs and keep active, also try not to stress about the readings as being obsessive and testing again and again wont be doing you any good.

 

[Robbity]

Just take the one test and leave it at that. What you need to watch for are large spikes after meals, and general trends or pattern developing over time. Look at the recommended levels for diabetics and non diabetics on our main Diabetes UK site, and if ever your reading go regularly in to the diabetic zones, then is the time to be concerned. And please be aware that (obsessive) worrying over slight fluctuations in your quite normal readings is just likely to make them worse...

Watch your diet and weight, keep fit, avoid high carb/starchy/sugary food, and you'll keep on the right side of diabetes.

Robbity