testing amounts per day

[cdpm]

does anyone know the suggested testing
times amounts for 4 injections a day
is there a standard
im not able to get a clear answer
is it per injection
and when

 

[jaywak]

I think they say a minimum of 4 tests per day is needed to keep a reasonable control of type 1 but more often has got to be better . Testing before a meal and then 2 hours later is the usual .

 

[In Response]

I think they say a minimum of 4 tests per day is needed to keep a reasonable control of type 1 but more often has got to be better . Testing before a meal and then 2 hours later is the usual .

The advice I was given was to test just before going to bed, before eating, before driving (and every 2 hours whilst driving) plus any time you feel "off". I also test before and after exercising.

I have always thought of it as testing when I have a purpose
- before driving - DVLA requirement
- before eating - to calculate bolus dose with food, including correction dose
- before going to sleep - to ensure your levels are ok overnight.
- if feeling "off" - to check you are not too high or hypo
- before exercising - to check not too low
- after exercise - to check not falling too fast

Testing 2 hours after eating is a type 2 advice. Given that fast acting insulin lasts 4 hours, testing after 2 hours gives a false impression unless you are able to calculate insulin on board. So, what is the purpose? I would not correct and finger prick testing does not give enough information to change the pre-bolus time.

If you eat three meals a day, do not drive or exercise, that will be 4 times per day.

 

[Fenn]

Hi, I think I remember that you use sensors? Libre or equivalent? I’ve had to promise to check a minimum of eight times a day to have libre on prescription, I find this a bit of a struggle mostly, when I’m feeling motivated and trying hard I can test 20 times a day, if I were finger pricking, it would be about four times a day on a good day, I hate finger pricks as I’m sure we all do.

I suppose to answer to your question, if using sensor, as often as you fancy it. If using finger pricks, as often as you can bare it.