The main goal of the treatment prescribed for diabetes is to maintain the level of sugar contained in the blood in a range that will be close to normal. Unfortunately, a person is not able to feel slight fluctuations in sugar levels, which is why diabetes is considered such an insidious and serious disease. After all, high blood sugar is a direct path to the development of complications. Only with regular and fairly frequent monitoring of the blood composition can we judge how successfully the treatment is going. Constant self-monitoring can increase the effectiveness of treatment measures and significantly reduce the risk of complications.
If a person is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, then it is vital for him to regularly monitor blood sugar levels. Self-monitoring should be carried out several times a day, always before meals and at bedtime, as well as with changes in well-being.
With type 2 diabetes mellitus, measurements are required less often, as a rule, several measurements per week are enough.
For introspection, you can use specially produced test strips, and the result can be evaluated both visually and with the help of glucometers.
To determine the blood sugar level using one of the methods described, it is necessary to obtain a blood sample. To do this, it is recommended to use a lancet - a special device for piercing the skin of a finger. These devices are based on a spring mechanism. When using a lancet, the injection practically does not cause pain, and the wound heals very quickly. It is very convenient that the lancet has a function for adjusting the depth of puncture, which is very important if you need to control the blood sugar level in a child.
The puncture of the phalanx of the finger should be done not on the pillow, but on the side. In this case, the wound left by the lancet will heal faster.
The resulting drop of blood is applied to a test strip, which undergoes a chemical reaction that causes a color change. Visual control of the test strips is carried out by comparing the result with a color scale. If the result does not fit into the normal range (4-9 mmol / l), then a more thorough analysis is required using a glucometer or using laboratory methods.
The meter is a portable device that allows you to independently determine the level of sugar. It should be noted that today you can meet different types of this device. As consumables, test strips of a certain type are used (each type of glucometer involves the use of a certain type of test strips). If you decide to purchase a glucometer, then choose it based on the accuracy of the results and the cost of a separate analysis (the cost of the analysis will be equal to the cost of one test strip used for this device).
The results of measurements obtained as a result of self-monitoring are recommended to be recorded by recording in a special diary. Viewing these measurements will allow your doctor to evaluate how successful the treatment is and, if necessary, he will be able to make adjustments to the medication schedule.
You can reduce blood sugar with the help of traditional medicine. However, do not forget that these recipes can only supplement, and not replace, the treatment prescribed by your doctor.
To normalize sugar levels, you can drink vegetable juices. Juice squeezed from potatoes, cabbage, red beets should be taken on an empty stomach (half an hour before meals), one third of a glass of juice in the morning and evening.
An ordinary onion will also help in the treatment. From it you can make juice or infusion. To prepare the infusion, cut the middle onion very finely and fill it with a glass of plain boiled cold water. After two hours, strain the liquid and drink a third of a glass before meals. Similarly, you can make an infusion of garlic feathers.
Herbal teas brewed from St. John's wort, berries of hawthorn and wild rose, linden flowers, clover leaves and strawberries help to maintain normal sugar levels. And it’s better for patients to replace regular coffee with a drink made from chicory roots.